Animals

Research

12 pages, 1798 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Short-Term Efficacy of Capacitive-Resistive Electrical Transfer Therapy in Short-Haired Sled Dogs in Middle-Distance Competition

by Mila Benito, Tania Jasny, Vinciane Roger, Christophe Pflieger and Dominique Grandjean

Animals 2022, 12(24), 3530; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12243530 - 14 Dec 2022

Viewed by 2458

Abstract

Achieving the successful recovery of sled dogs is one of the key tasks for veterinary teams involved in clinical care for middle-distance sled dog competitions. This study compares the efficacy of capacitive-resistive electrical transfer (CRet) with that of massage in the treatment of [...] Read more.

Achieving the successful recovery of sled dogs is one of the key tasks for veterinary teams involved in clinical care for middle-distance sled dog competitions. This study compares the efficacy of capacitive-resistive electrical transfer (CRet) with that of massage in the treatment of lower back pain in 40 short-haired sled dogs during a medium-distance snow sled race (Lekkarod^TM-2021). The dogs were divided into two groups: a CRet group (20 dogs) and a massage group (20 dogs). All subjects received a single 18 min treatment session and were evaluated one hour after the end of the treatment. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was performed in which pre- and post-treatment pain measures were evaluated in relation to age and type of treatment. Older dogs were found to have higher significant pain scores before starting treatment. Both treatments reduce pain short-term in all cases. However, post-treatment pain values were significantly lower in dogs treated with CRet when compared to dogs treated with massage. The results show that capacitive-resistive electrical transfer has better short-term results and is beneficial in both younger and older dogs, making this technique attractive to veterinary teams working in canine sporting competitions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Training of Working, Service and Sporting Dogs)

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14 pages, 3553 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Two Types of Guide Harnesses on Ground Reaction Forces and Step Length of Guide Dogs for the Blind

by Anna Weissenbacher, Alexander Tichy, Karl Weissenbacher and Barbara Bockstahler

Animals 2022, 12(18), 2453; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182453 - 16 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3823

Abstract

Few studies exist addressing the effects of guide dog harnesses on dogs biomechanics. The aim of this study was to investigate how two different harness types affect ground reaction forces and stride length. Twelve certified guide dogs were tested under different conditions: walking [...] Read more.

Few studies exist addressing the effects of guide dog harnesses on dogs biomechanics. The aim of this study was to investigate how two different harness types affect ground reaction forces and stride length. Twelve certified guide dogs were tested under different conditions: walking with a collar and leash, walking with the harness used daily (Norwegian type with straight handle) and walking with a Y-harness using a straight or a curved handle. The parameters studied included maximum vertical force, vertical impulse and stride length. Compared to walking with a collar and leash, none of the harnesses, when used with a leash, had an effect on the evaluated parameters. However, both harnesses, when used with a handle and under re-enactment of the lead work, showed clear effects on the impulse. Stride length was shortened if the Y-harness with handles was used. Future studies should focus on the type of attachment of the harness, as well as the angle of attachment, which is altered by the size of the handler. The development of individually adapted harnesses in order to subject these animals to as little stress as possible during their daily work should be one of the future areas of research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Training of Working, Service and Sporting Dogs)

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16 pages, 2408 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clinical Evaluation of Exercise-Induced Physiological Changes in Military Working Dogs (MWDs) Resulting from the Use or Non-Use of Cooling Vests during Training in Moderately Hot Environments

by Mila Benito, Diego Lozano and Francisco Miró

Animals 2022, 12(18), 2347; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182347 - 8 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3238

Abstract

Nose work with military working dogs (MWDs) in warmer-than-usual areas has led us to look for new tools to reduce both heat stress and the risk of heat stroke. One of the different strategies to manage heat stress is the use of cooling [...] Read more.

Nose work with military working dogs (MWDs) in warmer-than-usual areas has led us to look for new tools to reduce both heat stress and the risk of heat stroke. One of the different strategies to manage heat stress is the use of cooling vests, such as those used in humans. The aim was to assess three cooling conditions (using two different cooling vests during exercise and the non-use of such garments) by measuring core body temperature, systemic blood pressure and pulse rate before and after the exercise (moment: four measurement times) in military dogs of the I Military Police Battalion (in Valencia, Spain). All dogs were evaluated under all three conditions during the three days of the study. Significant differences were observed between condition, moment, and the interaction of these two factors, in relation to core body temperature and pulse rate. Therefore, the use of an evaporative cooling vest may further be useful as a routine thermal control and conditioning measure in MWDs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Training of Working, Service and Sporting Dogs)

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14 pages, 942 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Formalized Method to Acclimate Dogs to Voluntary Treadmill Locomotion at Various Speeds and Inclines

by Alexander R. Stigall, Brian D. Farr, Meghan T. Ramos and Cynthia M. Otto

Animals 2022, 12(5), 567; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12050567 - 24 Feb 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3213

Abstract

The land treadmill is a multipurpose tool with a unique set of behavioral and physical benefits for training and assessing active dogs. Habituation to voluntary treadmill locomotion is crucial for training a dog or accurately assessing a dog’s fitness on a treadmill. Therefore, [...] Read more.

The land treadmill is a multipurpose tool with a unique set of behavioral and physical benefits for training and assessing active dogs. Habituation to voluntary treadmill locomotion is crucial for training a dog or accurately assessing a dog’s fitness on a treadmill. Therefore, a treadmill acclimation program was developed and evaluated with working dogs in training or working dogs performing detection research. Seven of eight naive dogs became acclimated to the treadmill using the protocol developed. Two previously experienced dogs successfully conducted an acclimation assessment to test for habituation to the treadmill. A muscle soreness protocol was created to evaluate the soreness developed during the acclimation program. This detailed protocol was successful in acclimating dogs to the treadmill at various safe speeds and inclines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Training of Working, Service and Sporting Dogs)

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19 pages, 3024 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Conditioning Program Prescribed from the External Training Load Corresponding to the Lactate Threshold Improved Cardiac Function in Healthy Dogs

by Alejandro Zamora Restan, Aparecido Antonio Camacho, Evandro Zacché, Raphaela Arantes Marques Canola, Samara Beretta Gomes Silva, Jaislane Bastos Braz, Jorge Cardoso da Silva-Filho, Juliana Aparecida Cerqueira, Bruna Agy Loureiro, Michelli Inacio Gonçalves Funnicelli, Daniel Guariz Pinheiro and Guilherme Camargo Ferraz

Animals 2022, 12(1), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12010073 - 30 Dec 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2202

Abstract

This research focuses on the adjustments in systolic and diastolic functions that are not fully understood in dogs submitted to athletic training. Beagle dogs carried out an endurance training program (ETP) prescribed from the external training load, corresponding to 70–80% of the lactate [...] Read more.

This research focuses on the adjustments in systolic and diastolic functions that are not fully understood in dogs submitted to athletic training. Beagle dogs carried out an endurance training program (ETP) prescribed from the external training load, corresponding to 70–80% of the lactate threshold (VLT) velocity. Eighteen dogs were randomly assigned to two groups: control (C, n = 8), active dogs that did not perform any forced exercise, and trained (T, n = 10), submitted to the ETP during eight weeks. All dogs were evaluated before and after the ETP period using two-dimensional echocardiography, M-mode, Doppler, and two-dimensional speckle tracking. A principal component analysis (PCA) of the echocardiographic variables was performed. The ETP improved the left ventricular internal dimension at the end of diastole (LVDd), the left ventricular internal dimension at the end of diastole to aorta ratio (LVDd: Ao), and the strain rate indices. PCA was able to capture the dimensionality and qualitative echocardiography changes produced by the ETP. These findings indicated that the training prescribed based on the lactate threshold improved the diastolic and systolic functions. This response may be applied to improve myocardial function, promote health, and mitigate any injuries produced during heart failure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Training of Working, Service and Sporting Dogs)

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13 pages, 1595 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Interval Exercise Training on Serum Biochemistry and Bone Mineral Density in Dogs

by Hae Sung Lee, Jae Hwan Kim, Hyun Ju Oh and Jong Hee Kim

Animals 2021, 11(9), 2528; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092528 - 28 Aug 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2700

Abstract

Exercise has been suggested as a powerful intervention for health care and fitness management in humans; however, few studies have demonstrated the benefits of exercise training in dogs. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of exercise training on heart [...] Read more.

Exercise has been suggested as a powerful intervention for health care and fitness management in humans; however, few studies have demonstrated the benefits of exercise training in dogs. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of exercise training on heart rate (HR), bone mineral density (BMD), muscle volume (MV), and hematological and serum biomarkers in dogs. Six healthy beagles completed the interval treadmill exercise, developed on the basis of the FITT principle, two times a week for 12 weeks. To evaluate the physiological parameters, the HR values were analyzed using the Polar H10 system during the entire exercise period. At pre-and post-exercise, quantitative computed tomography and hematological and serum biochemical parameters were analyzed. The interval exercise resulted in a normal HR response and no adverse behavioral or physiological effects on the dogs. We showed that exercise improved BMD in the femur (541.6 ± 16.7 vs. 610.2 ± 27.8 HA, p < 0.01) and increased serum total alkaline phosphatase (TALP; 68.6 ± 9.2 vs. 81.3 ± 17.2, p < 0.01), aspartate aminotransferase (23.5 ± 1.0 vs. 33.5 ± 1.6, p < 0.01), and creatine kinase (114.8 ± 5.3 vs. 214.0 ± 20.8, p < 0.01) levels. There was a positive relationship between BMD and TALP (femur: r = 0.760, p = 0.004; vertebrae: r = 0.637; p = 0.025). Our findings suggest that interval exercise training is beneficial to increase BMD in the femur, and an increased TALP level would be a concomitant mechanism for enhancing BMD with exercise in dogs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Training of Working, Service and Sporting Dogs)

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11 pages, 1116 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Immediate Effect of Parachute-Resisted Gallop on Heart Rate, Running Speed and Stride Frequency in Dogs

by Sandra Hederstedt, Catherine McGowan and Ann Essner

Animals 2021, 11(7), 1983; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11071983 - 2 Jul 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4980

Abstract

Physical fitness is required for canine athletes and working dogs to optimize performance in various disciplines. There is a lack of research on the effects of resistance exercise on cardiorespiratory variables in dogs. The aim of this study was to investigate the immediate [...] Read more.

Physical fitness is required for canine athletes and working dogs to optimize performance in various disciplines. There is a lack of research on the effects of resistance exercise on cardiorespiratory variables in dogs. The aim of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of parachute-resisted (PR) gallop on heart rate, running speed and stride frequency compared to unresisted (UR) gallop in dogs. Five N-of-1 trials RCTs with alternating interventions were implemented. Dogs ran on a 200 m course with and without resistive force applied by a parachute attached to their harness while cardiac inter-beat intervals (IBI), running speed and stride frequency were measured. The results were visually displayed and interpreted in graphs and percentage of non-overlapping data estimated effect size. Both interventions showed large effects on heart rate compared to resting values. Mean IBI increased (10–17%) during PR gallop compared to UR gallop although this change was small relative to decreased running speed (19–40%) and increased stride frequency (18–63%). Minimum IBI showed no difference between interventions indicating similar maximum heartbeat per minute. In conclusion, parachute-resistance resulted in dogs galloping at lower speeds at the same cardiorespiratory level of intensity, which may be useful in canine physical rehabilitation and fitness training. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Training of Working, Service and Sporting Dogs)

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11 pages, 1184 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Energy Consumption of Young Military Working Dogs in Pre-Training in Germany

by Wencke Schäfer and Julia Hankel

Animals 2020, 10(10), 1753; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10101753 - 26 Sep 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3100

Abstract

Many factors have specific effects, in varying degrees of intensity, on the metabolic energy requirements of working dogs. Appropriate energy supply adjusted to the requirements of military working dogs at pre-training is a basic prerequisite for working dogs, so they are fully able [...] Read more.

Many factors have specific effects, in varying degrees of intensity, on the metabolic energy requirements of working dogs. Appropriate energy supply adjusted to the requirements of military working dogs at pre-training is a basic prerequisite for working dogs, so they are fully able to exercise. Therefore, more knowledge obtained under standardized conditions would be advantageous. Twenty intact Belgian Shepherds var. Malinois at the age of 12 months were accompanied for four weeks during pre-training (odour detection, obedience training, and protection work) as military working dogs (MWDs) in Germany (ambient temperature about 7.8 °C), and the amount of energy intake was evaluated. To assess changes in body constitution, body weight and shoulder height were measured, and the thickness of subcutaneous fat tissue (SCF), and of Musculus sacrocaudalis dorsalis lateralis (MSCDL), were recorded via ultrasound. Energy intake amounted to, on average, 244 ± 34 kcal/kg body weight (BW)^0.75 daily. Increases in body weight, shoulder height, and thickness of the MSCDL, as well as a reduction of SCF thickness lying on the MSCDL, were observed. Changes of body constitution might be attributed to training-induced muscle growth and physiological growth in size. In addition to training intensity, influences of ambient temperature and physiological body growth seemed to be important contributing factors in the supply of energy for MWDs during pre-training. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Training of Working, Service and Sporting Dogs)

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