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

Animals

卷:12

Vincenzo Musella¹  Giuseppe Spinella²  Simona Valentini²  Micheletino Matarazzo³  Lisa Grassato⁴  Lorenzo Tidu⁵ 

[1] Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro, 88100 Germaneto, CZ, Italy;

[2] Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, BO, Italy;

[3] Italian Army Military Veterinary Center (CEMIVET), 58100 Grosseto, GR, Italy;

[4] Veterinary Clinic “Il Podere”, 31038 Postioma, TV, Italy;

[5] “Vittorio Veneto” Division Florence-NATO Multinational Division South, 50136 Firenze, FI, Italy;

关键词: military working dogs;    explosive detention dog;    humanitarian mission;    working injury;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ani12050617

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

The intergovernmental organization known as the United Nations (UN) was born “to maintain international peace and security” through different operations and tasks, including “mine action” and “explosive detection”. Explosives are the most frequent cause of injuries in military personnel and an enormous danger for civilians. The role of explosive detection dogs (EDDs) and mine detection dogs has gained great consideration over time, leading to their intense use in military operations. Literature regarding working injuries reported by EDDs during missions is limited. The aim of the present study is to investigate the hematological changes that occurred between pre- and post-mission blood analyses in military working dogs deployed to Afghanistan in order to evaluate signs of health problems or physical adjustments. Examining the clinical records, only three dogs reported a medical issue, one with gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), and two with lameness episodes. Lack of health issues occurring during the missions was reflected by the absence of significant differences between pre- and post-mission blood analyses. Blood results were also examined by dividing the EDDs into groups considering age at departure, sex, breed and mission length. A few categories demonstrated significant changes in some parameters; however, the mean values were always included in the ranges of normality, indicating that their physical fitness and training were adequate for the required tasks.

【 授权许可】

Unknown