Page 29 - Harnett Life Summer 2020

Trends in Veterinary Medicine

By Dr. Janet Batker
Lillington Veterinary Hospital & Boarding

By Dr. Janet Batker
Lillington Veterinary Hospital & Boarding

Greetings pet lovers! tion will influence a hospital’s dispensing routine and will make some
drugs more expensive.
Staying on top of the latest trends in veterinary medicine, and in
medicine in general, is somewhat daunting when you are actively Many clients are beginning to ask about the use of CBD oil for
engaged practicing medicine. However, your doctor should not be their pets, the new magic elixir. CBD stands for cannabidiol, one of
left behind. the chemicals or cannabinoids present in hemp and in cannabis (or
marihuana) plants. Marihuana is a hemp plant that contains greater
It appears that in the future even local veterinarians may be acquir- amounts of THC than hemp, the cannabinoid that gives you a high.
ing CAT scans to complement our diagnostics; many veterinarians All cannabinoids are organic chemicals that act on receptors pres-
already have ultrasound capabilities. New surgical techniques and ent in dog, cat and human tissues. Studies are showing they provide
instruments are developed annually. Laser light therapy is of enor- benefits for controlling seizures, chronic pain, inflammation, swell-
mous benefit for stimulating healing of tissues. ing, and anxiety. Be aware that pets are more sensitive than people
to THC-almost all vets have treated toxicities of this kind-do not ex-
One new rule for veterinarians concerning reporting of controlled periment with marihuana on your pets, you will make them very sick
drugs is now in place. Veterinarians report weekly to the North Caro- As for CBD oil, it will be a valuable tool, as is any drug, for treating
lina department of Health and Human Services the number and type disorders. As of now we are uncertain of the doses we need to admin-
of controlled substances we are sending home with our patients-and ister for any problems.
to whom. As a profession we have flown under the radar for quite
some time in terms of tracking drug abuse, especially opiates, al- As usual, ask your vet for advice before administering cannabinoids
though this was not a deliberate evasion of oversight. This regula- to your pet.

Lillington Veterinary Hospital

Best Friends Deserve the Best Care

We Provide Comprehensive Veterinary Care for Dogs & Cats of
All Breeds & Ages, and Exotics.

."WE ARE PRACTICING CDC
GUIDELINES WHILE • Immunizations • Checkups

CARING FOR YOUR PET" • Spay & Neuter • Preventive Care
• Dental Cleaning • Surgery • Microchipping
• Flea Control • Radiology • Lab Testing

2366 NC 210 ~ Lillington, NC

910-893-2081

www.lillingtonvethospital.com