Vet clinic treats Barksdale’s furry friends

  • Published
  • By By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Raughton
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
The Veterinary Treatment Facility keeps Barksdale's furry companions in excellent health by providing comprehensive veterinary services with state-of-the-art technology.

The VTF is accredited with the American Animal Hospital Association, and the VTF's vision is to provide high-quality care at affordable prices and to see patients in a timely manner while ensuring they receive compassion, patience, and top quality medical care.

By providing these services, the VTF takes care of more than just household pets.

"We give first priority to military working dogs," said Dr. Darrin Olson, veterinary medical officer at the VTF. "They are the force multipliers that enhance security of the base, and we make sure they're fit to be in the fight to do their jobs."

The VTF also recognizes the many furry family members Airmen keep at home.

"We do routine vaccinations, heartworm tests, parasite tests, and surgical procedures such as spays, neuters, dental procedures and operate a sick-call for pets that are ill," said Olson.

These common surgical procedures the VTF provides have become more efficient with the recent addition of a surgical laser that will replace a hand-held scalpel in most operations.

"The surgical laser is less invasive," said Olson. "It will reduce pain and minimize recovery time."

While Olson advises keeping your pet in top health by maintaining current vaccinations, tests and the like, temperatures are getting warmer. That means fleas and ticks will become prevalent.

"Keep your pet on flea and tick prevention treatments," said Olson. "Use them according to label directions and don't skip a month, or even a few weeks. If you have shaded areas around your home, keep your trees trimmed back to reduce exposure to ticks."

Just like their Airmen owners, risk management is key to keeping a happy and healthy pet.

"Make sure your pet has plenty of fresh water," said Olson. "If you decide to take your pet on the road with you, don't leave your pet in the vehicle. It's much hotter inside the vehicle than outside and even pets succumb to heat stroke or heat exhaustion."

Besides flea and ticks, summer also brings more permanent change of station moves, and for Airmen who will PCS overseas and take their pets, having a pet microchipped may be mandatory. Pets must also be registered with base housing and the required forms are provided by the VTF.

With the highest quality veterinary medical treatment available, Barksdale Airmen can be reassured their pets are in the best of health and military working dogs are in condition to protect.