Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Role of Human Health Care Providers and Medical Treatment Facilities in Military Working Dog Care and Accessibility Difficulties with Military Working Dog Blood Products.
- Journal:
- U.S. Army Medical Department journal
- Year:
- 2016
- Authors:
- Giles Iii, James T
- Affiliation:
- DoD Military Working Dog Veterinary Service · United States
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Military working dogs (MWDs) are increasingly important in military operations, especially for detecting explosives. However, providing medical care for these dogs in combat situations is challenging and requires teamwork between veterinarians and human healthcare providers. While there are guidelines to help non-veterinary healthcare workers provide emergency care for MWDs, there are still issues, such as the lack of support for treating MWDs in human medical facilities and difficulties in obtaining the right blood products for them. Currently, MWDs can only receive fresh whole blood in the field, and there is no established system for providing other necessary blood components, like plasma, which can be crucial for their treatment. Overall, the care for MWDs in military settings needs more structured support and resources.
Abstract
The use of military working dogs (MWDs) in support of military operations has increased dramatically over recent years, as they have proven to be our most reliable deterrent to improvised explosive devices. Healthcare delivery for MWDs in combat presents unique challenges and requires extensive collaboration between veterinarians and human health care providers (HCPs). A successful example is the incorporation of MWD emergency care for nonveterinary HCPs into the Joint Trauma System Clinical Practice Guidelines, which has proven to be a helpful product. Additional challenges that need further solutions include MWDs as patients in human medical treatment facilities (MTFs) and the procurement of appropriate canine blood components in an operational environment. It is often necessary for MWDs to be treated as patients in human MTFs, however, there is no Department of Defense guidance to support this activity. Access to MWD blood products is limited to collection of fresh whole blood in the operational setting. Similar to humans, specific blood component therapy, such as fresh frozen plasma, is often indicated for sick or injured MWDs. Currently there is no formal system in place to deliver any blood products for MWDs or to facilitate collection in theater.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27215885/