The end of the year is here, and with it comes the end of my term as KCVMA president.  This year has gone by quickly, full of hours of continuing education and a wonderful time together at a T-Bones game. I also want to give big thanks to all who volunteered to help at Harvesters in May. We hope to organize another event to help them out again in 2018. As we enter the new year, you can expect many more continuing education events as well as some social events too.

As the legality of cannibis for use to treat humans continues to expand, in this issue we explore the potential use of cannabidiols or CBDs to treat pets. CBDs are the less psychoactive extracts from the plant. We also discuss the increase of leptospirosis in the United States.

There is some important information for Kansas veterinarians regarding in insurance plans being offered by the KVMA beginning in January of 2018. For our Missouri veternarians there is a legislative update on Senate Bill NO. 88, which has been passed. Senate Bill NO. 88 will reduce the statute of limitations for claims of malpractice or negligence against veterinarians treating animals to 2 years instead of 5 years.

Thank you all for your support of KCVMA over the last year—it’s been a pleasure to be your president. Our president-elect, Keith Placke, will take the reins in January. We will be introducing new members to the KCVMA board of directors as well. I am confident I will see you at our upcoming continuing education and social events.

Have a great holiday season and don’t forget to renew your membership for 2018!