Treatment facility unveils wellness packages

"The veterinary profession is shifting from vaccination-driven appointments towards wellness-driven appointments. We will embrace this effort to provide the best care to our patients and support to our clients through comprehensive disease prevention, early diagnosis of any problems and appropriate treatment," said Col. David Rolfe, commander, U.S. Army Veterinary Command.

This means more routine veterinary services like basic deworming, micro-chipping, fecal floatation and vaccinations will now be grouped into "wellness packages" to provide a more comprehensive preventive medical care tailored to a pet's specific needs and stage of life.

Felicia Webber holds her cat, Coalie while Veterinary Technician Sgt. Sandra Castle conducts a health exam as part of the requirements for transferring to Hawaii.

There will also be a restructuring in the fee schedule, but the clinic's goal continues to be high quality care at the lowest cost. Fees will be the same for all clients at all military treatment facilities.

The veterinary clinic offers yearly check-ups and annual vaccinations, health certificates, micro-chipping, heartworm testing, fecal testing for parasites, leukemia testing and much more.

"The NAS Jacksonville veterinary services provide comprehensive medical/surgical care to the Military Working Dogs, food safety and quality assurance at the commissaries, and preventive veterinary care to pets of retirees and the active duty service members and their families. Our services at the NAS Jacksonville Veterinary Treatment Facility are not limited to but include physical exams, vaccinations, heartworm testing, among others," said Army Veterinarian Maj. Michael McCown, DVM, head of SADVC Jacksonville Branch.

Army Veterinarian Capt. Eric McCown, D.V.M. conducts a health examination on Moses, a standard poodle, as his owner Chuck Stock looks on. Moses and Stock's other dog, Sadie are going through the process to become therapy dogs at Naval Hospital Jacksonville.

"My intent is to provide the highest quality service at the lowest prices in order to serve the ones that serve or have served."

The clinic also provides medications such as flea and tick control, heartworm prevention and prescription foods. ''We also have a small pharmacy for some of the more commonly used medications, and I may be able to write a prescription for those we don't carry,'' added McCown.

"We offer all the standard services including some sick call appointments for skin, eye and ear problems. We also offer some surgeries on a case-by-case basis to our clients to keep our training requirements up-to-date and as an added benefit for the clients."

Army Food Inspectors Spc. Shane Walker (left) and Sgt. Antwan Lovett check the expiration dates of the food in the cooler at NAS Jax Naval Hospital galley. They also check for correct temperatures and make sure the vents are working properly.

The veterinary treatment facility has two examination rooms complete with computers allowing staff members to document the animal's health information.

There is also a small laboratory to conduct heartworm, feline leukemia and intestinal parasite testing (any other needed tests are sent out with results usually back within 24 hours), an X-ray room, surgical prep area with a surgical tub treatment area to perform dental and other small procedures and a sterile surgery room.

"My cat had an abscess on his back because he was in a fight so that's why I came in here today. I also bring my dog here. I like the staff members; they are really nice and helpful and have good bedside manner with the animals. I come to the clinic whenever I have an issue with my pets and because the cost is cheaper here than off-base," said AM3 Dyona Kincaid of VP-30.

Army Food Inspectors Sgt. Antwan Lovett and Spc. Shane Walker check some produce at the NAS Jax Commissary as part of their daily duties.

"I came in for an annual check-up on my dog and to check some lesions on his chest. This is my first time here but I've always used clinics on military bases because it's much cheaper," added YN1(SS) James Forbus of the NAS Jax Security Manager's office.

The clinic is run by two receptionists, two military veterinary technicians, a military veterinarian and one contracted veterinarian who works on a part-time basis.

One of the biggest requests by clients is the need for health certificates for their pets.

''We issue a lot of health certificates for military members who are transferring. There are very specific guidelines and they change frequently when pets travel overseas, including Hawaii and Japan. It's a long process to take pets to these places because of all the rabies requirements. We recommend that as soon as you get orders to get your pets in and start the process," explained Veterinary Technician Sgt. Sandra Castle.

"The sooner you get started, the less time your pet will have to remain in quarantine when you get there."

The clinic has information about all the different guidelines for moving with pets overseas but clients transferring can also get the requirements on different Web sites.

For those traveling to Hawaii, go to http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/aqs/info. Those who have orders to Japan can check http://www.usarj.army.mil/organization/vet/rfc.aspx.

For all others, check with the clinic.

The clinic staff also offers a microchip identification procedure that is required for all military members who have animals living in base housing. This painless procedure identifies pets by scanning and tracking their identification if they become lost or if they are left behind when a family moves.

Medications such as flea and tick control, heartworm prevention and prescription foods are also available at a discounted price. While offering veterinary care to the military working dogs and military member's pets is an important aspect of the SADVC Jacksonville Branch mission, there is another mission of this organization.

That is, to inspect all food products delivered on the base including items received by the NAS Jax Commissary and all restaurants and food service facilities here.

Veterinary food inspectors play a critical role in veterinary medicine. The inspectors are specifically trained to conduct food safety inspections of any establishment on base that handles food items.

"While we work primarily in the NAS Jax Commissary inspecting food, we also conduct visits to various food establishments here such as the galleys, Navy Exchange Food Court, McDonalds, Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department facilities and any place that carries food products," said Sgt. Antwan Lovett.

Every meat and produce delivery that comes into the commissary must be inspected before any items can be put on the commissary floor.

"Our main focus is the food. We ensure it's stored in a clean place, if storage temperatures conform to our required guidelines and ensure the food comes from approved sources on the government's vendor list," continued Lovett.

To ensure all shipments are checked, the food inspector's workdays begin early in the morning when the first truck of produce shows up at the commissary. Throughout the day, their jobs may take them to numerous locations to conduct audits, evaluate sanitation measures and ensure military members and their families are provided with the best quality food available.

The veterinary clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for over-the-counter sales. Clinic days are also planned to be running daily but depend on the availability of the veterinarian. Appointments are necessary. To make an appointment, call 542-3786 or 542-3523.