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Specialists keep an eye on military working dogs

  • Published
  • By Mike Joseph
  • 502nd Air Base Wing OL-A Public Affairs
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Fritz, a blonde Labrador retriever, sat patiently on a metal table as first one eye, then the other, was examined by a veterinary specialist.

Each ophthalmology examination varies in length. Fritz' time with the specialist was longer than usual to satisfy media requests. However, the 11-year-old Lab took it in stride with the patience of Job.

Fritz was one of approximately 150 dogs examined at the Holland Military Working Dog Hospital by two American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologist diplomates on May 23. Dr. Robert Munger and Dr. Andrew Greller, each board certified veterinary ophthalmologists, spent the day examining dogs kenneled at the 341st Training Squadron's Department of Defense MWD School, home to more than 800 working dogs.

The annual screening at Lackland is provided by the ophthalmology college and the ACVO Vision for Animals Foundation.

The two specialists volunteer their time to perform the free vision screenings.

"(I told my partner who was here last year), 'Boy, I'd love to come down with you,'" said Dr. Munger, who caught an early morning flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to spend the day substituting for his business partner. "It's a privilege. It gives us a chance to help because it's a very important function these dogs and handlers perform."

Dr. Greller is also a first-time volunteer. He practices in San Antonio and understands the importance of the local military presence.

"This is a great opportunity to give back to the military," Dr. Greller said. "It's a neat experience.

"I'm amazed at the facility, resources and equipment here. The doctors are doing an excellent job taking care of these dogs. These dogs have a specific purpose and it's very important."

Army Capt. (Dr.) Curtis Cline said the military working dogs undergo full examinations twice a year, and staff veterinarians are trained to perform a basic eye exam.

However, the annual examinations by the visiting ophthalmologists are a valuable service to both the dogs and military.

"It's very convenient to have them come here," said Dr. Cline, a clinical intern at the Holland MWD Hospital. "From time to time (the dogs need) to see a specialist, and that can be logistically challenging to coordinate even two or three dogs.

"To have two ophthalmologists here and see 120 dogs (saves time and expense). We do have some dogs with ocular disease or abnormalities. (The ophthalmologists) can document any changes and (recommend) treatment."

Army Maj. (Dr.) Clarissa Hackett said the specialists screened breeding program puppies, dogs in training and dogs training handlers like Fritz.

"We don't have ophthalmologists on staff," Dr. Hackett said. "A lot of times, if they can identify an eye disease early, then we can intervene with treatments before it gets to the stage where we can't treat it. It can help us preserve their vision longer."

Both Holland veterinarians agreed the one-day clinic is beneficial to the dogs and staff.

"Anytime you get to work with a specialist, you pick up new techniques, perhaps a better way to do something," Dr. Hackett said.

Dr. Cline added, "The expertise you gain having a board certified, residency-trained ophthalmologist do an eye exam, they may pick up an abnormality perhaps we're not familiar with or wouldn't detect."