Military Working Dogs Operating in Afghanistan Theater: Comparison between Pre- and Post-Mission Blood Analyses to Monitor Physical Fitness and Training

Spinella, Giuseppe; Tidu, L.; Grassato, Lisa; Musella, Vincenzo; Matarazzo, Micheletino; Valentini, Simona

doi:10.3390/ani12050617

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 32 publications

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“…In particular, this is mandatory for military dogs, which generally perform missions in foreign countries with highly and repeatedly modifiable environmental conditions (Spinella et al. 2022 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Effects of exercise on urinary biochemical parameters and proteins in a group of well-trained military working dogs

Spinella,

Valentini,

Matarazzo

et al. 2023

Veterinary Quarterly

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Exercise-induced proteinuria has been widely investigated in humans, also in relation to intensity and duration of activity. Instead, there are only limited publications regarding urinary biochemical parameters and urinary proteins before and after physical activity in dogs. This paper aimed to investigate the effects of exercise on urinary biochemistry and proteins in military dogs. Twenty-four dogs were enrolled in this study. All the dogs were clinically sound, and they were examined before and after activity. Pulse rates (PR) and respiratory rate (RR) were monitored. Urine was sampled before and after a training session of search activity. Standard urinalysis was carried out, urine total proteins and creatinine were measured and the urinary protein:creatinine ratio was calculated; finally, the urinary proteins were separated using sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Clinical examination before and after activity did not reveal any pathological finding. After activity, the PR was slightly increased, while the RR was notably increased ( p < 0.05). Total proteins, albumin, and their ratio with creatinine were significantly higher after exercise when considering all the dogs included or only the females while, when considering only the males no significant difference was detected. The clinical relevance of this study was related to the possibility of using urine as a non-invasive sample for monitoring health status after training activity and exercise in dogs. An increase in microalbuminuria after search activity, measured using SDS-PAGE could be considered an early biomarker of renal function during training sessions.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Training carried out correctly can lead to highly specialized fitness in these dogs, resulting in the prevention of professional traumatic injuries (Spinella et al. 2022 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of exercise on urinary biochemical parameters and proteins in a group of well-trained military working dogs

Spinella,

Valentini,

Matarazzo

et al. 2023

Veterinary Quarterly

Self Cite

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Internet-Based Survey on Physical Activity and Incidence of Injury in Active Working Dogs

Spinella

Valentini

Lopedote

2023

Animals

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A survey with 100 multiple choice and open-ended questions was proposed by free access to working dogs’ handlers. One hundred and nine respondents were recorded and their dates processed. The most represented breeds were: Belgian Malinois, Labrador, Border Collie and German Shepherds. Of these, 71.6% were intact dogs and 28.4% were spayed or neutered, with a median age range of 3–4 years. Furthermore, 55.5% had undergone early radiographic examinations for hip or elbow dysplasia diagnosis. The dogs performed the following activities: search and rescue on surface (59%), search and rescue on rubble (37%), Internationale Gebrauchshund Pruefung (IGP) (9%), man trailing (5%), sled dog (5%), search on avalanche (4%), dog towing (3%), canine shows (3%), hunting (2%), water rescue (1%), pet therapy (1%), wildlife conservation dog (1%), Mondioring (1%). Only 36.4% of respondents submitted their dogs to a specific sports medical examination and 55.5% to an orthopaedic examination. An injury incidence of 45.5% was recorded, generally related to mild musculoskeletal trauma. A limited number of handlers routinely performed warm-up and/or cool-down activities. A positive assessment emerged of the need for many respondents to attend and request education courses and updates on the proper health management of their dogs.

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Military Working Dogs Operating in Afghanistan Theater: Comparison between Pre- and Post-Mission Blood Analyses to Monitor Physical Fitness and Training

Cited by 2 publications

References 32 publications

Effects of exercise on urinary biochemical parameters and proteins in a group of well-trained military working dogs

Effects of exercise on urinary biochemical parameters and proteins in a group of well-trained military working dogs

Internet-Based Survey on Physical Activity and Incidence of Injury in Active Working Dogs

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