Effect of simulated deployment patrols on gastric mucosa of explosive detection dogs

Abstract

Exercise-induced gastric disease is well-recognised in dogs performing ultra-endurance racing, but has not been described in dogs performing non-competitive athletic activities. Explosive detection dogs often perform prolonged periods of exercise and are reported to have chronic inappetance and weight-loss consistent with gastric disease. Seven privately-owned Labrador Retrievers trained for off-leash explosive detection activities were used to test the hypothesis that explosive detection dogs develop exercise-induced gastric disease while performing routine duties. Gastroscopy was performed on dogs before and after a 5-day exercise challenge designed to simulate routine military deployment activities. Five days of sustained submaximal exercise resulted in substantial gastric disease. These results demonstrate that dogs performing prolonged submaximal exercise consistent with off-leash explosive detection patrols are susceptible to exercise-induced gastric disease. Exercise-induced gastric disease may explain the anecdotal reports of poor thrift in these types of dogs during military deployment, and prophylactic acid suppression therapy should be considered in dogs participating in these activities.