Military Dogs Research Articles

Genetic structure and variability of the working dog inferred from microsatellite marker analysis

Working dogs serve as military watch dogs, search dogs, rescue dogs, and guide dogs with un-come-at-able character. They are drafted by in-training examination including concentration, capacity for locomotion, boldness and earthly desires. In this study, genetic diversity and relationships among two groups of working dogs (pass and fail group in-training examination) were assessed based on 15 microsatellite markers in 25 individuals of working dogs (military watch dogs and Korean search dogs). For the 15 microsatellite markers, the values of allelic richness (A R ) ranged from 2.21 (pass group) to 1.60 (fail group) in military watch dogs, while A R ranged from 2.79 (pass group) to 2.72 (fail group) in Korean search dogs. Among 52 different alleles of military watch dogs, 22 alleles were detected in pass group only, while 8 alleles in fail group only. In case of Korean search dogs, 3 alleles were observed in pass group only, while 13 alleles in fail group only. These group-specific unique alleles reflect good biomarker for selecting working dogs (military watch dogs and Korean search dogs), indicating that those group specific microsatellite alleles could separate working dogs to be pass or fail group in out-training dog population. Taken together, this study demonstrates the feasibility of microsatellite analyses for the selection of superior working dogs objectively. Furthermore, this approach could be used for the proper selection of working dogs in combination with in-training examination.

Gunshot wounds in military working dogs inOperationEnduringFreedom andOperationIraqiFreedom: 29 cases (2003–2009)

To describe the patient population, injuries, and treatment received on the battlefield, and ultimate outcome of U.S. military working dogs that incurred gunshot wound (GSW) injury in Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) or Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq). Retrospective study between January 2003 and December 2009. Twenty-nine military working dogs from the U.S. military with confirmed GSW injuries incurred in combat in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom. None. Clinical data from battlefield treatment, which includes care from the point of injury through arrival to, but not including, a designated veterinary treatment facility. Twenty-nine dogs were injured between 2003 and 2009. All but one of the injuries were from high caliber, high velocity weapons. Of the 29 injured dogs, 11 survived the injuries and 18 died (38% survival rate). Of the dogs that died, all but 1 died from catastrophic nonsurvivable injuries before treatment or evacuation could be instituted. The thorax was the most common site of injury (50%) followed by extremity wounds (46%). The leading cause of death from GSWs was from thoracic wounds, followed by head wounds. Dogs with extremity wounds as their only injury were most likely to survive, and dogs with multiple injuries were least likely to survive. All surviving dogs received treatment at the point of injury by military medics and dog handlers consistent with Tactical Combat Casualty Care guidelines for combat injuries in human service members. Of the 11 that survived, all dogs returned to full duty with subsequent deployment to combat zones. Location of wounds and injury severity at the time of presentation to veterinary care was not correlated with length of time until return to duty.

Adoption of Wagging Warriors

The success of the May 2011 Osama Bin Laden mission has given the American public a brief glimpse into the role of military war dogs and has created a great interest in adopting these dogs when the...

체내 주입형 UHF RFID 태그를 이용한 동물정보관리 시스템에 관한 연구

This paper introduces UHF RFID tag antenna which can be inserted between the skin and muscle of animal. Animal Information Management System (AIMS) using the developed tag has been developed. Since the general and commercial tags are not working in the body of any animal, the new tag for flash body has been developed with the consideration of dielectric constant of the muscle and fat of animal. The tag shape is flat and sharp end to make it easy to insert the tag just under the skin. The performance of the installed tag under the skin and in the muscle has been verified. The AIMS can manage the animal, history of illness, information of owner and address. This program can be applied to the management of military and police dogs.

Survey of CanineDirofilaria immitisInfection in New Caledonia

Canine dirofilariosis is a frequent parasitic disease in New-Caledonia. A survey of canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection among dogs from the cities of Tontouta, Nandaï and Nouméa, was performed in March 2009 using two antigen test kits; the microwell ELISA test: DiroCHE (Synbiotics Europe) and the Rapid Immuno Migration (RIM) test: WITNESS DIROFILARIA (Synbiotics Europe). Blood samples were collected from 64 dogs: 49 strays and 15 military working dogs. The military dogs received a permanent chemoprophylaxis (moxidectin). In 11 stray dogs, both tests were positive (22.4%). All the military dogs were negative, showing efficiency of chemoprophaxis. Results were discrepant in 6 dogs, negative with one test and doubtful with the other. Antigen heartworm test kits are available and reliable diagnostic tools. They are useful to evaluate the efficiency of chemoprophylaxis and to detect infected animals in order to treat them and to prevent the spreading of the disease.

Assessing efficiency of a Human Familiarisation and Training Programme on fearfulness and aggressiveness of military dogs

Abstract It has been shown that Belgian military working dogs exhibit fearful and aggressive behaviour towards human and unknown environment. This study aims to assess the effects of a Human Familiarisation and Training Programme (HFTP: based on positive and frequent dog–handler interactions and training) on fearfulness and aggressiveness of military working dogs. Authors predicted that an Experimental Group of dogs submitted to this HFTP (=EG dogs) would be less fearful and aggressive during a standardised aggression test than a Control Group of dogs (CG dogs). Higher posture, less yawning and less aggressive behaviours were observed among EG dogs. Authors interpreted those differences in fearfulness and aggressive behaviour as a positive effect of this HFTP on dog's welfare and concluded that this HFTP induced a better working dog–handler relationship.

Research note: Installation of videorecording equipment had minimal effect on behavioral measurements in 14 kenneled military dogs

Abstract We quantified the behavioral perturbation induced in kenneled dogs using a classical procedure of video equipment installation. Using 14-minute sessions of videorecording, 136hours of recordings were collected from 14 healthy, individually housed Malinois shepherds. Our results show that dogs trotted, jumped, and ran more during the first 2minutes of recording. These behaviors suggest an intense but brief agitation following installation of the video equipment. These results lead us to advise researchers, when studying the behavior of kenneled dogs by videotaping, to evaluate the duration of perturbations stemming from their particular experimental procedure and to carefully examine it.

Dirofilaria infections in working dogs in Slovakia

A monitoring programme aimed at the diagnosis of subcutaneous dirofilariasis and heartworm disease in working (police and military) dogs in Slovakia has been performed during the period of September 2007 to February 2008. In co-operation with the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Defence, in total, 710 dogs (591 police dogs and 119 military dogs) were investigated for the presence of microfilariae in blood. All police and military dogs in active service held on the territory of Slovakia were included. Microfilariae were detected in 118 (20.0%) police dogs and 10 (8.4%) military dogs. The most infected individuals originated from southern parts of Slovakia (Trnava region 53.6% and Nitra region 39.6%); the prevalence was low in northern regions (Zilina 3.1% and Presov 6.6%). In several districts of southern Slovakia, the prevalence of subcutaneous dirofilariasis in working dogs exceeded 40%. In all infected animals, the autochthonous origin of the disease was confirmed; however, due to the frequent movement of working dogs, it was not possible to identify the exact locality of infection. At present, a dog living in Nemsová village in Trencín district (north-western part of the country) is regarded as the northernmost localized autochthonous case of subcutaneous dirofilariasis in Slovakia. In three dogs, co-infection of Dirofilaria repens and Dirofilaria immitis was detected. High prevalence rates in working dogs and the zoonotic characteristic of the disease represent an undoubtedly important veterinary and medical problem that requires the urgent introduction of prophylactic and control measures.

Canine leishmaniasis in south-east of France: Screening of Leishmania infantum antibodies (western blotting, ELISA) and parasitaemia levels by PCR quantification

Leishmania infantum leishmaniasis is endemic in south-east of France. The main goal of our study was to evaluate the real prevalence of asymptomatic carriage in dogs by means of real time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and serology. We included prospectively 140 military dogs wearing deltamethrine-impregnated collars. Parasitaemia levels were then measured by means of quantitative real time PCR targeting kinetoplast DNA with TaqMan ® chemistry. ELISA and western blotting (WB) were used for serological screening. The number of dogs working in three areas was the following: Var ( n = 48), Bouches-du-Rhône ( n = 61) and Corsica ( n = 31). Prevalence of symptomatic dogs was 0.7% ( n = 1). ELISA and WB were positive in one (0.71%) and 19 (14%) dogs, respectively. Fifty-eight dogs (41.4%) had a positive parasitaemia. Global prevalence (positive WB and/or positive qPCR) was 50% ( n = 70). Mean parasitaemia was 0.018 parasites/mL in the global population and 0.043 parasites/mL in positive dogs [min: 0.0002 to max: 2]. The concordance percent for WB and qPCR results was 55% ( n = 77). Regarding the prevalence of positive parasitaemia, a significant difference was noticed between dogs living in the Var region and those coming from the two other areas. Parasitaemia was rapidly positive within the first semester of stay in an enzootic area. Despite the use of deltamethrine-impregnated collars, the proportion of dogs with low parasitaemia is important. Thus, it may be relevant to evaluate the effect of screening and treating asymptomatic canine reservoirs on human infection by performing further studies comparing both populations.

Training methods of military dog handlers and their effects on the team's performances

While only a few studies have analysed training methods used on working dogs, a recent survey in 303 Belgian military handlers revealed the use of harsh training methods on military working dogs (MWD). The present work aims at analysing the training methods used on Belgian MWD and the behaviour of handlers to objectify the performances of the dog handlers teams (DH teams) and the welfare of the animals. A standardized evaluation, including obedience and protection work exercises, was conducted on DH teams ( n = 33). Every evaluation was done twice to assess the reliability of the observation methods. The behaviours of MWD and handlers were recorded on videotape and subsequently analysed. Results showed that handlers rewarded or punished their dogs intermittently. Stroking and patting the dogs were the most frequently used rewards. Pulling on the leash and hanging dogs by their collars were the most commonly used aversive stimuli. The team's performance was influenced by the training method and by the dog's concentration: (1) low-performance dogs received more aversive stimuli than high-performance dogs; (2) dog's distraction influenced the performance: distracted dogs performed less well. Handlers punished more and rewarded less at the second evaluation than at the first one. This suggests that handlers modified their usual behaviour at the first evaluation in view to present themselves in a positive light. During the second evaluation the dogs reacted to this higher frequency of aversive stimuli as they exhibited a lower posture after aversive stimuli. The authors cannot prove that the welfare of these dogs had been hampered, but there is an indication that it was under threat. Low team performances suggest that DH teams should train more regularly and undertake the usefulness of setting a new training system that would rely on: the use of more positive training methods, an increased training frequency, the elaboration of a course on training principles, and an improvement of dog handler relationship.

Considering Do-Ho Suh’s Installation Art within the Context of Asian Democracy

After adopting democracy as a part of Western modernization, East Asian countries have shown a contradictory position between human rights and Asian values, which emphasize the cultural originality of the East Asian Confucius society. In contrast to the respect of the individualistic ideal in Western democracy, East Asian countries, in spite of the democratic principles, have emphasized national sovereignty and community's precedence over individuals for the social and economic stability. Thus, Asian democracy has been identified as a dictatorial system of Asian development, which is the mixture of the Confucian tradition of Patriarchal system and community spirit with Capitalism. Experiencing the same paradigm, South Korea has formed new by the alliance between Jaeber(a group of monopolistic enterprises) and Korean government, which caused an economic crisis in 1997. Critically representing a space between individuality and collectivity, Do-ho Suh's works show fragile human rights in Asian (or Korean) democracy. For instance, Some/One, displayed at the 49th Venice Biennale, shows a nine-foot tall, long, flowing armor of a general. The armor is made up of approximately 100,000 military dog tags. In contrast to regular dog tags that identify the wearer through name, birth date, and blood type, Suh's fabricated tags are engraved with randomly assorted letters and numbers. They remind us of the demanded sacrifice of anonymous individuals for the sake of the public good. Viewers can walk inside of the armor and see their own distorted images reflected in the mirrors that are hung on inner walls of the armor. The artist awakes the viewer to the violated human rights by totalitarianism or authoritarianism, which has been done in the name of national development. This paper will look at contradictory aspects between Asian (Korean) society, emphasizing the traditional Confucius value, and human rights with Do-ho Suh's works. As a methodology, Slavoj Zizek's notions of rigid designator, the desire of the Other, a social fantasy, the Real, and the subject, will be applied to understand the relationship between the Asian style of democracy and the public in East Asia (Korea).

Intestinal nematode infections in Turkish military dogs with special reference to Toxocara canis.

The prevalence and potential zoonotic risk factors of intestinal nematodes of military working dogs, which are used for different military purposes, were assessed. Faecal samples from 352 defined-breed Turkish military dogs were investigated and 107 (30.4%) dogs were found to be infected with one or two nematode species. The following nematodes, with their respective prevalences, were diagnosed in the faecal samples: Toxascaris leonina (21.8%), Toxocara canis (13.3%), Trichuris vulpis (2.9%) and Uncinaria stenocephala (1.2%). Toxocara canis infections were more frequently seen in puppies (0-6 months old). The prevalence of T. canis was significantly higher in male than in female dogs and also higher in dogs which were exercised daily than in those without exercise. The highest prevalence was found in Belgian malinois breed dogs. Toxocara canis infections were not influenced by the floor type of the kennels (i.e. concrete or soil floor). There was no difference in the occurrence of T. canis infection when the last anthelmintic treatment was carried out less or more than 3 months prior to sampling. It is suggested that T. canis infected military dogs would be a threat not only for dog trainers but also for military personnel, notably during national and international operations.

Salmonella Montevideo outbreak in military kennel dogs caused by contaminated commercial feed, which was only recognized through monitoring

A large outbreak of canine salmonellosis in military watch dogs due to Salmonella Montevideo and/or Salmonella Give was only recognized through a monitoring program, implemented by the military forces. In 51 out of 80 exposed dogs (63.8%) from four kennels Salmonella was isolated from fecal samples. The prevalence per sampling day ranged from 5.6 to 77.8%. Clinical disease with mild diarrhea but without fever appeared only in nine dogs (11.3% of study population, 16.9% of cases) from one kennel ( *** P < 0.001). Risk analysis identified “dog food A” (odds ratio 3.33 [1.12 < OR < 10.06] * P < 0.05) and “dog food C” (odds ratio 3.40 [1.07 < OR < 11.22] * P < 0.05), two commercial dehydrated dog feeds, as suspected infectious sources. Feeding “dog food C” alone or together with “dog food A” was significantly associated with clinical disease ( *** P < 0.001). S. Montevideo and S. Give with similar plasmid profiles and PFGE-restriction patterns were isolated from the suspected dog feeds and fecal samples. This outbreak demonstrates not only that Salmonella infections in dogs occur without clinical symptoms but also that large outbreaks occur after feeding dehydrated dog feeds. Especially in households with known risk group patients this finding demonstrates a particular risk for their owners, as they often live in close contact with their animals.

The quality of the relation between handler and military dogs influences efficiency and welfare of dogs

Over the last 10 years, the influence of the dog–owner relationship on dog behaviour has received growing attention, unlike the working dog handler's relationship. Using a questionnaire addressed to the 430 dog handlers of the Belgian army in 2001 (303 respondents), this study investigated the association between the time spent by handlers with their military dog (MD) and some behaviours of these dogs, reflecting welfare, obedience, and aggressiveness. Less than half of the handlers took their MD home and/or practised a sport with their MD. Most of the handlers practising sport with their MD also took their animal home. Statistically significant associations were detected. Obedience of MDs was clearly greater in MDs living at their handler's home and in MDs practising sport. On the contrary, we found no influence on obedience either for the first time handlers or for their length of service. Handlers taking their MD home and handlers practising sport with their MD declared fewer bites than the other handlers did. Bites concerned almost exclusively military staff. Only one family member was bitten by an MD and this MD had been left in a military kennel. Suspicion of previous rough handling was associated with fearful and aggressive behaviours. Handlers taking their MD home had dogs that were more sociable, this was not evidenced for MDs practising sport. Finally, being taken to a handler's home and practising sport were associated with a lower expression of behaviours indicative of impaired welfare. Discussion of our results in the field of dog-human relationship leads to conclude that the effects of housing at a handler's home and practising sport were strongly linked to the enhanced dog–handler relationship.

Serological Confirmation of Borrelia burgdorferi Infection in Dogs in the Czech Republic

From the epidemiological point of view, dogs are very important since they are considered a suitable indicator of the spread of human borreliosis. Serum samples obtained from healthy, asymptomatic military dogs from 12 different areas in the Czech Republic were examined for IgG antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.). The total of 399 serum samples were tested by a whole-cell ELISA. Specific antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. were detected in 26 cases (6.5%). In different localities, the seroprevalence varied from 0.0% to 28.6%. Two local isolated strains Br-75 (Borrelia afzelii) and Br-97 (Borrelia garinii) were used as antigens. A total of 22 (5.5%) were positive for antibodies to Borrelia afzelii and 19 (4.8%) were positive for antibodies to Borrelia garinii. Fifteen cases were positive for both antibodies. A significantly higher seroprevalence was found in younger dogs (1-3 years) than in older ones (p < 0.05). An analysis of seroprevalence by months of sampling showed no significant difference (p > 0.05).

Prevalence and molecular analysis of Anaplasma platys in dogs in Lara, Venezuela

Blood specimens from clinically normal military dogs and their trainers, in Lara, Venezuela were screened for Anaplasma platys, A. phagocytophilum, or Ehrlichia ewingii using 16S rRNA PCR tests. Sixteen percent (7/43) of dog specimens were positive by A. platys PCR test followed by sequencing of the PCR products, and all human blood specimens [25] were negative. All specimens from these dogs and humans were PCR negative for E. ewingii or A. phagocytophilum. Twelve Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks removed from these dogs were negative for A. platys by reverse transcription PCR test. Almost the entire 16S rRNA gene (1,364 bp) and groESL operon (1,646 bp) sequences of A. platys isolated from a dog were determined, revealing that both sequences were closely related to the sequences of an A. platys strain detected in R. sanguineus ticks from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Explosives detection by sniffer dogs following strenuous physical activity

Reduced olfactory efficiency in sniffer dogs results mainly from overheating, and causes physiological and behavioural resources to be diverted from concentration on the assigned task and applied instead to methods of body cooling. Dogs do not possess sweat glands, and panting is the main means of cooling the body. Since a dog can either sniff or pant, but can never perform both actions simultaneously, panting causes a decrease in sniffing rate. In various military operations dogs are required to detect explosives under severe physical conditions. In such situations, the dog’s high body temperature elicits rapid panting already at the very beginning of the search task. As a result, its concentration and olfactory ability are diminished from the outset. In the current study we examined the ability of dogs to detect small explosives charges in two situations: (1) while relaxed and therefore only lightly panting; and (2) following exercise on a treadmill and therefore heavily panting. The results revealed an inverse ratio between rate of panting and efficiency of the dog’s olfactory work, with increased panting resulting in a significant decrease in explosives detection. The decline in efficiency was also expressed in longer duration of search period. However, we also found that dogs are able to adjust to working under severe physiological conditions derived from extreme physical activity. Such adjustment can reduce the dog’s limitations under strenuous conditions and can be taught by suitable training.

Enzooticity of the dogs, the reservoir host of Thelazia callipaeda, in Korea.

The reservoir hosts of Thelazia callipaeda were examined. The eyes of the 76 dogs raised at farm. 78 military dogs (shepherds), 96 cattle, and 105 pigs were investigated for the presence of eyeworm. Among them, six worms of T. callipaeda were collected from two dogs raised at farm (2.7%), and 188 worms from 26 shepherds (33.5%). No worms were recovered from the cattle or pigs. These results suggest that the dogs, especially the military dogs are serving as a reservoir host of T. callipaeda in Korea.

Magnetic resonance arthrography of the canine stifle joint: technique and applications in eleven military dogs.

The stifle joints of eleven military working dogs were evaluated using conventional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and MR arthrography. A protocol optimizing MR imaging of the canine stifle joint is discussed, as well as potential uses for administration of intra-articular gadolinium. The technique for performing MR arthrography is described, and post-contrast image findings are reviewed. MR arthrography was performed by using an intra-articular injection of diluted gadolinium. Consistently good quality images were obtained, and no complications were clinically detected following MR arthrography. Cranial cruciate ligament abnormalities were seen in six dogs, meniscal abnormalities were visualized in nine menisci, and synovitis and medial ligament strain were seen in eight dogs. Surgical and post-mortem confirmation of these findings is discussed in seven dogs. Although MR arthrography adds an invasive procedure to conventional MR imaging, it can provide useful information on pathologic changes in the canine stifle joint.

Epidemiological Study of Canine Teeth Fractures in Military Dogs

An epidemiological study of canine teeth fractures was carried out on 142 military dogs. One in four dogs had one or more canine teeth that were fractured, and 66 of 568 (11.6%) canine teeth were fractured. Canine teeth fractures most often were oblique mesiodistally, and had exposed pulp. Generally, more than fifty per cent of the crown length was lost in fractured canine teeth. Canine teeth fractures most often occurred during attack exercises, or in the kennel as a result of abnormal chewing or biting behavior. Fracture of two or more canine teeth resulted in a decrease in the ability or willingness of the dogs to function as military dogs. In many cases, severe attrition (abrasive dentin and enamel lesions and cracks) were present prior to fracture of the teeth.