Two-temperature preparation method for PDMS-based canine training aids for explosives.

Canine training aids based on vapor capture-and-release into a flexible polymer, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), have been used for in canine detection of explosives that have volatile or semi-volatile odorants. To enhance the rate of odor capture for less volatile targets, two temperatures are used for aid preparation. By using an elevated temperature for the target explosive, the amount of vapor is enhanced, increasing the production of the characteristic odor profile.

A Review of the Types of Training Aids Used for Canine Detection Training.

The canine detection community is a diverse one, ranging from scientific fields such as behavior, genetics, veterinary medicine, chemistry, and biology to applications in law enforcement, military, medicine, and agricultural/environmental detection. This diversity has allowed for a flourishing and innovative community, yet it has also led to little acceptance and agreement on terminology. This is especially true when discussing the variety of training aids used in olfactory-based exercises.

The Effects of Varying Concentrations of Dietary Protein and Fat on Blood Gas, Hematologic Serum Chemistry, and Body Temperature Before and After Exercise in Labrador Retrievers.

Optimal dietary protocols for the athletic canine are often defined by requirements for endurance athletes that do not always translate into optimal dietary interventions for all canine athletes. Prior research studying detection dogs suggests that dietary fat sources can influence olfaction; however, as fat is added to the diet the protein calories can be diminished potentially resulting in decreased red blood cell counts or albumin status. Optimal macronutrient profile for detection dogs may be different considering the unique work they engage in.

Effects of oral administration of metronidazole and doxycycline on olfactory capabilities of explosives detection dogs.

OBJECTIVE To determine effects of oral administration of metronidazole or doxycycline on olfactory function in explosives detection (ED) dogs. ANIMALS 18 ED dogs. PROCEDURES Metronidazole was administered (25 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h for 10 days); the day prior to drug administration was designated day 0.

Real-Time Detection of a Virus Using Detection Dogs.

Viral infections are ubiquitous in humans, animals, and plants. Real-time methods to identify viral infections are limited and do not exist for use in harsh or resource-constrained environments. Previous research identified that tissues produce unique volatile organic compounds (VOC) and demonstrated that VOC concentrations change during pathologic states, including infection, neoplasia, or metabolic disease.

Caudal paw displacement during movement initiation and its implications for possible injury mechanisms.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to quantify and determine the degree to which dogs experience negative displacement of the paw during movement initiation on natural surfaces, the frequency of that displacement, and whether or not the negative displacement could yield injuries.

Methods: Seven retired racing Greyhound dogs were selected to participate in sprint starts on two natural (non-vegetated and vegetated) surfaces. Kinematic analysis was conducted to quantify the displacements.

Kinematic analysis of maximal movement initiation in Greyhounds.

Background: Sprinting, jumping, stopping, turning and movement initiation produce the highest forces and largest ranges of motion in the canine gait, yet very little is known about them.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop a general kinematic sequencing of maximal movement initiation of Greyhounds using joint angles and a segmental diagram.

Design: Seven Greyhounds conducted maximal movement initiation trials on a vegetated surface by chasing a lure.

Telemetric measurement of body core temperature in exercising unconditioned Labrador retrievers.

This project evaluated the use of an ingestible temperature sensor to measure body core temperature (Tc) in exercising dogs. Twenty-five healthy, unconditioned Labrador retrievers participated in an outdoor 3.5-km run, completed in 20 min on a level, 400-m grass track.

Recent developments in canine locomotor analysis: a review.

Subjective evaluation of canine gait has been used for many years. However, our ability to perceive minute details during the gait cycle can be difficult and in some respects impossible even for the most talented gait specialist. The evolution of computer technology in computer assisted gait analysis over the past 20 years has improved the ability to quantitatively define temporospatial gait characteristics.