Abstract
Simple SummaryIn modern conflicts, one of the greatest risks for military personnel is represented by explosive devices. For this reason, specifically trained dogs able to detect explosives have been more and more intensively used in humanitarian military operations. However, at present, literature regarding working problems reported by these animals is very limited. The a of this study was to evaluate the health status of military dogs participating in humanitarian missions to Afghanistan, comparing their pre- and post-mission blood work. Dogs were first considered together as a group and then divided in groups by age, sex, breed and mission length. The results of the study show that there are no particular differences between their blood work before and after the missions. This indicates that the recorded dogs were physically well prepared to face their tasks.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.
Highlights
Military working dogs (MWDs) have been involved during peacekeeping operations alongside of military soldiers, and they are trained for specific jobs, including tracking, explosion detection, patrol, search and rescue, and attack [1].The tasks of the explosive detection dogs (EDDs) are increasingly specialized and refined, and their breeding, training, maintenance and preparation require extensive time and economic investment [2]
The aim of the present study is to investigate the hematological changes that occurred between pre- and post-mission blood analyses in EDDs deployed to Afghanistan, to evaluate signs of potential health problems or physical adjustments reported during the mission, and to indicate which variables may intervene more on them
Thirty-five EDDs were included in the study: 17 of them participated in more than one mission in Afghanistan, for a total of 54 registered cases
Summary
Military working dogs (MWDs) have been involved during peacekeeping operations alongside of military soldiers, and they are trained for specific jobs, including tracking, explosion detection, patrol, search and rescue, and attack [1]. The tasks of the explosive detection dogs (EDDs) are increasingly specialized and refined, and their breeding, training, maintenance and preparation require extensive time and economic investment [2]. The area of search can involve several settings, such as buildings, restricted open areas, vehicles and boxed goods. Expansions of these common duties represent more sophisticated applications: searches more focused on a particular task or in a particular context, or variations in the method by which the search is executed. Familiarisation of the MWDs with environments similar to the area of operation would assist their adjustment to it
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