Attachment_1_-_Medical_Requirements_and_Evaluation.pdf

ATTACHMENT 1

MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION

1. In general, all canines will be in excellent health with no acute or chronic disease or condition, which could either hamper their ability to perform, or would be excessively costly to treat. At the time of evaluation, each dog shall be medically able to enter training. Dogs must be microchipped with an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard microchip prior to presentation.

1.1. Medical Screening of Radiographs of Candidate Dogs- Contractors must submit diagnostic quality film or digital radiographs, at no cost to the government, to the Canine Training Center, for non-binding evaluation of elbow, lumbar spine and hip conformation a minimum of 20 calendar days prior to the start of the evaluation unless otherwise specified on the order. The positioning and technique required for these radiographs must follow the guidelines in the Procurement Radiographs presentation published by 341 TRS/SGV and provided to all contractors in conjunction with the Statement of Work regarding flexed lateral projections of both elbows, ventrodorsal hip-extended projection of the pelvis, and lateral projection of the lumbar spine. This may help the vendor determine whether to present the dog for evaluation. Minimum data imprinted (“flashed”) permanently on the radiograph/digital image at the time of exposure will include dog identification (name, tattoo/brand number, if assigned, and microchip number), whelping date, the facility at which they were taken, and date of examination. Date of radiographic examination will be no greater than 4 months (120 days) prior to evaluation of the dog by the medical evaluation team. Following initial radiographic screening, vendors will be notified if radiographs for any dog they intend to present are not of sufficient diagnostic quality and will need to be repeated prior to scheduled arrival. Dogs may be rejected upon initial arrival examination if their radiographs are not submitted before scheduled arrival, or are inadequate for evaluation until repeat radiographic submissions are of satisfactory diagnostic quality.

1.2. The cost of radiographic examinations or any other medical screening or procedures performed by private veterinarians is not reimbursable by the government.

1.3. Upon arrival at the designated training site, veterinary officers supporting the TSA will examine all dogs that have passed the initial identification process. This evaluation will include complete physical examination; collection of blood for routine testing; and possibly, anesthesia and radiographs of the hips, elbows, lumbar spine or other areas based on examination, even if imaging has been performed previously by the vendor. Laboratory availability may affect the procurement team’s ability to perform specific tests. However, the laboratory minimum database will include: blood urea nitrogen, blood creatinine, serum electrolytes, blood glucose, packed cell volume, and total solids. Screening for infectious diseases/organisms such as T. Cruzi, Leishmania sp, Lyme disease, or other diseases/organisms depending on origin of the dog may be required as determined by the veterinarian The veterinarian will assess abnormalities to determine the presence of acute or chronic disease processes that may have long-term medical care implications for the dog. If further evaluation is warranted, tests may be completed at the discretion of the veterinarian or the dog may be determined to be unacceptable. The following areas are evaluated closely; most, but not all, disqualifying features are noted. A canine that has been presented once for consideration for purchase and that has been disqualified for medical reasons may not be resubmitted for consideration unless the vendor can document that the medically disqualifying condition has been corrected.

1.3.1. Gait- All canines shall display normal mobility at a walk and run. Canines are disqualified for any gait abnormality which could affect the dog’s ability to perform normal TSA duties.

1.3.2. Skin and Coat-Skin and coat shall be healthy in appearance, displaying no evidence of chronic dermatitis, allergies, infections, injuries or marked external parasite infestation (e.g., mange, fleas, etc.).

A matted, unthrifty hair coat may not be grounds for disqualification but will raise concern about the dog’s general health.

1.3.3. Teeth and Jaws- Canines will have normal dentition and dental occlusion. Canines will be rejected if they have brachygnathism (undershot jaw) or prognathism (overshot jaws) if the veterinarian feels the condition will adversely affect eating or handling of the reward. All four canine teeth shall be present and shall not be weakened by notching, enamel hypoplasia or excessive wear. Teeth will not have more than 1/3 inch of the tip missing or have pulp cavity exposed. Oral infection or excessive periodontal diseases are grounds for disqualifying a canine and broken teeth or excessively worn teeth may be disqualifying.

1.3.4. Heart and Lungs- Heart sounds, rate and rhythm shall be normal (e.g., no murmurs, arrhythmia, etc.). In general, the cardiovascular and respiratory system shall be normal at rest and upon exercise.

1.3.5. Limbs and Joints- Any condition of the bones, joints or muscles that might hamper or restrict the normal performance of duty is grounds for disqualification. Examples include:

1.3.5.1. Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia- A malformation of the hip and elbow joints, respectively, which usually results in degenerative joint disease, arthritis and chronic lameness. Radiographic evidence of hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia or degenerative joint disease, as determined by the DOD veterinarian, will disqualify a dog.

1.3.5.2. Fractures, which are unhealed, are disqualifying. Healed fractures resulting in significant bone or joint conformation changes or lameness are disqualifying.

1.3.5.3. Ligament damage, osteoarthritis, etc., of the limb joints is generally disqualifying.

1.3.5.4. Transitional vertebrae of the caudal lumbar spine, lumbosacral junction or sacrum are disqualifying. Asymmetric pelvic attachment is also disqualifying.

1.3.6. Nervous System and Basic Senses- Any defect in the nervous system, to include the basic senses of vision, hearing and sense of smell, is disqualifying. Examples include, but are not limited to, opacities of the cornea, eyelid deformities, cataracts, retinal degeneration, chronic otitis, acute or chronic rhinitis/sinusitis and spinal disease.

1.3.7. Heartworms- All canines submitted for purchase shall be free of heartworm infection (Dirofilaria immitis). The presence of heartworm infection will be determined by using a heartworm antigen test. A negative heartworm concentration test (filtration or Knott’s) is not sufficient evidence to declare the canine heartworm-free.

1.3.8. Intestinal Parasitism- Infection with intestinal parasites (roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, etc.) may not be disqualifying, depending on the level of infection and the overall condition of the dog.

Presence of intestinal parasites is, however, an indication of poor care and will raise concern about the dog’s general health.

1.3.9. External Parasitism- Presence of fleas, ticks, lice or mange mites may not be disqualifying, depending on the amount of infestation, the degree of associated skin disease, and the overall condition of the dog. Presence of external parasites is, however, an indication of poor care and will raise concern about the dog’s general health.

1.3.10. Immunization- All dogs presented will have been vaccinated within the previous 12 months for rabies, canine distemper, canine adenovirus (TYPE 2), coronavirus, parainfluenza, parvovirus and leptospirosis. All dogs undergoing procurement testing at Lackland AFB shall additionally have been vaccinated for Bordetella within the previous 6 months (but no less than 1 month prior to presentation);

preferably via the modified live oral or intranasal forms but the killed subcutaneous injectable version is also acceptable. Records of all vaccination administration must be copied from a legal veterinary medical record and signed by the licensed veterinarian responsible for administration of the vaccinations. A rabies vaccination certificate, with individual dog identification (name, tattoo, brand or microchip #) will be provided on all dogs. This facilitates health certificate preparation, if the dog is to be returned to the vendor.

1.3.11. Socialization- All dogs presented shall be socialized to medical examinations. Canines that cannot be properly examined due to poor socialization will be rejected. Rejected dogs may be returned after behavior has been modified to allow medical examination.

1.3.12. Reproductive and Urinary System- Any congenital or conformational abnormality is disqualifying, if the defect requires long-term medical treatment or results in a shortened working life of the dog. (e.g., cryptorchidism is not disqualifying unless the retained testicle results in medical complications not treatable by simple orchidectomy. A juvenile vulva resulting in urine scalding is disqualifying.)

1.4. Non-Availability of Military Medical Facilities- If military medical facilities are not available, the vendor shall provide a veterinary facility that can provide diagnostic quality hip, elbow, and lumbar spine radiographs/digital images (under sedation/anesthesia), if needed, and an examination room capable of supporting ophthalmology and cardiology examinations, and laboratory support to do basic serum chemistries. The vendor shall provide radiographs of candidate dogs for evaluation that have been completed no more than four (4) months prior to examination of the canine (images performed at time of examination are acceptable). The radiographs shall meet the minimum identification requirements of paragraph 1.1 above, shall be of diagnostic quality to allow complete evaluation, and shall include images of the hips, elbows, and lumbar spine. If any vendor-provided radiographs do not meet these requirements, the vendor will provide veterinarian facilities as stated to allow the buy team veterinary personnel to complete the necessary radiographs. Cost of additional radiographs to evaluate elbows, lumbar spine and hips, as determined by the procurement veterinarian, is not reimbursed by the TSA. The veterinarian shall complete the same medical evaluation as discussed previously.

1.5. In Case of Death or Illness Requiring Euthanasia- If the government returns a canine being considered for purchase to the vendor for any reason under this Statement of Work and it, within ten days of its return to the vendor, dies or develops an illness requiring euthanasia, the vendor will secure the services of a licensed veterinarian to conduct a complete necropsy of all organ systems of the deceased canine to determine the cause of death within four hours of the dog’s death or euthanasia.

The government will reimburse the vendor for the cost of the animal (based on the corresponding BPA line item price for that breed) and the cost of the necropsy only if the necropsy indicates that a government act or omission proximately caused the death or the illness necessitating euthanasia. The government will not be responsible for the cost of the canine and/or the cost of the necropsy if more than ten days have elapsed between its return to the vendor and either the canine's death or onset of the illness requiring the euthanasia, regardless of the necropsy findings. If, while in the government’s possession, a dog being considered for purchase by the government dies or develops an illness necessitating euthanasia, the government will conduct a complete necropsy of all organ systems of the deceased dog to determine cause of death within four hours of the dog’s death or euthanasia. The government will reimburse the vendor for the cost of the dog (based on the corresponding BPA line item price for that breed) only if the necropsy indicates that a government act or omission proximately caused the death or the illness necessitating euthanasia.

1.6. Common Medically-Disqualifying Conditions- The following list is provided as a helpful guide and example to all vendors presenting dogs for purchase and is not intended to be a complete list or legally binding.

1.6.1. Hematological abnormalities consistent with severe parasitism, infection, or metabolic disease.

1.6.2. Poor body condition, either emaciation or obesity.

1.6.3. Severe periodontal disease.

1.6.4. Severe, non-resolving or intractable otitis externa or dermatitis.

1.6.5. Radiographic signs of hip or elbow dysplasia or radiographic evidence of degenerative joint disease.

1.6.6. Transitional vertebrae of the caudal lumbar spine, lumbosacral junction or sacrum are disqualifying, as is the presence of any degenerative change in the lumbar spine (such as arthritis).

Asymmetric pelvic attachment is also disqualifying.

1.6.7. Previous musculoskeletal injury which has or may lead to degenerative joint disease or conformational abnormality.