LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Dr. Kathleen Nowak, a veterinarian medical officer, gently comforts and praises her nervous patient, a purebred Australian shepherd who recently moved to the U.S. with her owner. Aptly named 'Panda' for her unique black and white markings, she is obviously a little skittish about her first trip to the doctor.
Aside from the care offered to furry patients like Panda, visits to the Langley Veterinary clinic can also add up to substantial savings for their military families.
"Every little bit helps," says the doctor, as she carefully soothes and examines the shepherd. "They can save five to ten dollars here on vaccines, heartworm medication, or flea treatment, compared to going downtown, and the 40 or 50 dollar exam fee typically charged by off-base vets."
Dr. Nowak, a pet owner herself, patiently answers all of Panda's owner's questions on topics ranging from rabies vaccination to flea medication. Although the majority of her time is spent treating minor skin conditions and allergies, Dr. Nowak says this is actually one of her favorite parts of her job -- interacting with the animals and telling owners what they need to know to keep their pets healthy.
"Our main focus at the clinic is preventative medicine. We try to prevent diseases before we have to treat them," says Dr. Nowak, whose responsibilities extend from caring for privately owned pets to doing daily checks on the horses stabled on base.
Army Staff Sgt. Monique Tercero, a veterinarian technician who, like Dr. Nowak, works at both the Langley and Ft. Eustis vet clinics, emphasizes that this focus on prevention makes it important not only to make sure all the animals have their vaccines, but to help teach their owners about issues such as zoonotic diseases that can be passed from animals to humans and vice versa.
"Being educated on what your pet needs is the best way to take care of your animal," she says. "Veterinary medicine changes just like human healthcare, so owners are encouraged to ask as many questions as possible during appointments. If you ask questions and let me know your concerns, then we can pinpoint exactly what you need to know."
Because Langley is not a full-service clinic, says Sergeant Tercero, patients with major health concerns, like diabetes, or who need surgery are referred to a public clinic or to the larger clinic at Ft. Eustis.
Our chief concern is the health of the animal, adds Dr. Nowak. "Even if you're not sure we can handle it, call us. If we can't help you; we try to find people who can."
Ultimately, Dr. Nowak and the team at Langley's veterinary clinic have one hope: that the pets they treat will live long and healthy lives with their families. The doctor offers this advice as she gives Panda a doggie treat for being such a good patient and the shepherd eagerly returns to her owner.
"Take them out, get them active and just give them a lot of love."
The Langley veterinary clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. For more information call the clinic at 764-5678.