Long Term Management

There is no role for providers to attempt long-term or delayed management of presumed C-PTSD in a deployed setting. Misdiagnosis and/or delay of appropriate treatment will equally jeopardize the affected MWD’s proper therapy and potential of return to duty. Affected dogs who are refractory to treatment of C-PTS should be evaluated under the supervision of Veterinary Corps Officers through consultation with a Veterinary Corps board-certified veterinary behaviorist. Ongoing research suggests a positive association with early diagnosis, +/- medication and focused desensitization/counterconditioning performed by the MWD handler in the early stages of case management. Every attempt is made to return the MWD to duty and avoid unnecessary STRATEVAC/redeployment, which can result in security and readiness issues.