title: Role of Human Health Care Providers and Medical Treatment Facilities in Military Working Dog Care and Accessibility Difficulties with Military Working Dog Blood Products.
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.
authors.affiliation: DoD Military Working Dog Veterinary Service, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.
authors.forename: James T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Giles Iii
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001771:Blood Banks / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D004285:Dogs; D006268:Health Facilities; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D008889:Military Personnel; D014481:United States; D014731:Veterinary Service, Military / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D014857:Warfare; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000662:veterinary*