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American Indian reservations throughout New Mexico and the Southwest typically lack reliable and consistent health care services.

Compounding this problem, and critical to their economic well-being, is the virtual non-existence of veterinary services for animals, including livestock.

This April, a volunteer organization, Native American Veterinary Services, will make its second visit to the Zuni and Santo Domingo Pueblos in New Mexico to provide care for small and large animals.

With fewer income sources on the reservations and "Pueblos," animals provide a vital source of food, milk, eggs, hides and leather. They are a means of economic security and well-being and they are an integral part of indigenous culture.

If American Indians are unable to maintain the health of their animals, their livelihood and cultural identity will be threatened.

The Native American Veterinary Services (NAVS) program was created in response to this situation. As practicing veterinarians, we were interested to learn and concerned about the limited veterinary care available on the Navajo Reservation in 2000.

With support from the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association and Americans for Native Americans, an inaugural trip to the Navajo lands with four veterinarians was organized. An array of veterinary services was performed on both large and small animals. Seminars on animal management and healthcare were provided.

Education and knowledge helps with tough animal decisions. For example, an animal that isn't pregnant may be a liability in winter. Should a family sell the animal or feed it with meager funds in hope that the following year it becomes pregnant?

Since 2000, this program has expanded significantly with generous corporate support from Henry Schein, Inc., Columbus Serum, Fort Dodge Animal Health, Merial Animal Health, Pfizer Animal Health and Schering-Plough Animal Health.

Last year, veterinarians volunteered on two-week trips to the Zuni and Santo Domingo Pueblos in New Mexico — where they will go again this Spring — and to reservations in Arizona. During these busy weeks, vets and assistants performed various procedures, including emergency surgical care, spay/neuter procedures, vaccinations and pregnancy screenings.

Lifesaving operations were also performed and helped not only the animals, but families, too.

No animal was turned away or left untreated. In total, volunteers cared for nearly 1,000 horses, sheep and cattle and performed nearly 40 small animal surgeries.

While the program is growing, it is important for villagers as well as surrounding communities and the veterinary industry to support it. Henry Schein Cares, the global social responsibility program of Henry Schein, sent supplies and an equine representative from the company's staff to assist the vets and residents.

Special thanks also is due to other generous sponsors for the pueblo visits, including Columbus Serum, Fort Dodge Animal Health, Merial Animal Health, Pfizer Animal Health, Schering-Plough Animal Health.

We encourage even more companies to follow this example. With more support and volunteers, Native American Veterinary Services can continue to grow and help the animals and the people of American Indian reservations and Pueblos.

Robinson is a veterinarian and founder of Native American Veterinary Services and a board member of Americans for Native Americans (wwww.buckscoana.org).