Veterinary Tech Students Treat Working Canines

On December 16, 2012, the Cincinnati Veterinary Medical Association hosted its 19th Annual Canine Corps Health Clinic. The UCBA Veterinary Technology Program hosted the event, and, according Dr. Jane Goecke, Assistant Director of the UCBA program, it was a "huge success."
Veterinarians specializing in ophthalmology (Dr. Kuonen), internal medicine (Dr.McElravy), dentistry (Drs. Auvil and Russell), dermatology (Drs. Gordon, Foust and Tabacca) and surgery (Dr. Hinkle Schwartz) were on hand to perform exams in their respective disciplines.
Dr. Pete Scheifele and his audiology team from the UC FETCHLAB again participated to perform audiology examinations. UCBA professors Dr. Gwen Steffen and Dr. Jane Goecke donated their time to perform the physical examinations on the canines. Idexx Laboratories donated a CBC/Profile to each dog.
UCBA veterinary technician student volunteers escorted each canine participant as well as assisted in exams and phlebotomy. Marissa Neuenschwander (a student working on her Event Planning certificate) helped organize the event and made sure things ran smoothly.
The goal of the event each year is to provide prophylactic care and health screens to canines who work hard to protect people (with the help of their human partners).
There were 46 working dogs and their handlers in attendance. Many dogs were healthy, but the screening did find some hidden diseases, including a splenic mass.
The handler of the dog had firsthand knowledge of the dangers of a bleeding splenic mass and expressed great appreciation of the event. According to Dr. Goecke, the owner has repeatedly stated that the event saved her canine partner's life. "The event was a great success due to everyone's hard work," Dr. Goecke said.