Fort Drum Veterinary Services has partnered with the Medical Simulation Training Center (MSTC) to provide Mountain Medics with a one hour block of instruction on emergency care for Military Working Dogs (MWDs). During this course, pictures and videos are used to demonstrate how to take vital signs, place intravenous catheters, administer intramuscular medications, and triage a bloated MWD with suspected Gastric Dilation and Volvulus (GDV).
Canine handlers from Fort Drum 8th Military Working Dog Detachment are also present to provide hands on experience for the medics. MWDs are muzzled and used for vein palpation, vital sign assessment, and health surveys. Medics also get the opportunity to talk with canine handlers about safety and proper restraint of the MWDs.
To date, approximately 90 Fort Drum Mountain Medics have been introduced to the most common medical emergencies seen in Military Working Dogs. The medics have developed knowledge and clinical skills to properly triage, treat, and evacuate MWDs for veterinary care."
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