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87th MDG treats four-legged veteran

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joshua King
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  It's not every day that you see a canine being treated by the 87th Medical Group, but that's exactly what happened at the radiology clinic on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Feb. 9, 2015.

Brix, a drug patrol military working dog from Naval Weapon Station Earle, Colts Neck, New Jersey, received X-rays from the 87th MDG for one of the most common causes of military working dog retirements; chronic lameness.

"Chronic lameness refers to an abnormal gait, which can be caused by pain or mechanical problems that are non-painful" said Capt. Kolleen Nellett, JB MDL Veterinary Services Branch chief. "Depending on the cause of the pain and the age of the dog, they are referred for surgery. If the dog is not a good candidate for surgery the pain is controlled by medication and the dog is recommended for retirement."

Normally, the U.S. Army Veterinary Services on base treat military working dogs but their X-ray machine is currently not working. The 87th MDG radiology clinic stepped up to help the four-legged veteran.

"It's different than X-raying a soldier, but military working dogs are an important part of the team," said Army Staff Sgt. Noel Jaimes, 7236th Medical Support Unit radiology technician who currently works at the 87th MDG. "We have to make sure they are able to do their jobs as well." 

At five years old, the relatively young Czech Shepard, likely has chronic lameness due to being a military working dog, said Nellett.  He regularly stands on his hind legs to search high places and jumps in and out of vehicles during drug detection work. During patrols, he is asked to run at high speeds and jump at targets.

"Brix has been having lameness issues for almost a year, causing him to miss work regularly" said Nellett. "He needs new X-rays to send to a specialist who will determine if he is a good candidate for surgery."

Brix will remain as a military working dog but is on limited duty. He is currently on medication while the X-rays are analyzed by a specialist.