Integumentary and musculoskeletal indications for surgery predominate in a 15-year study of search-and-rescue dogs.

Objective: Analyze data from a 15-year longitudinal study of search-and-rescue (SAR) dogs to determine the indications for surgery and evaluate whether the risk varied by breed, sex, neutering, or deployment status during 9/11.

Methods: 150 SAR dogs: 95 dogs deployed to sites from the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and 55 SAR dogs not deployed to these sites. Search-and-rescue dog handlers completed an annual health survey until the dog's death, or the handler withdrew from the study. The reported surgical events were categorized by body system and etiology. Incidence risk rates, with 95% CIs, were calculated for the most common surgical indications. Incidence rate ratios were calculated stratified by deployment status, sex, and breed, and significance was assessed.

Results: Over the study period, 103 surgical events were recorded in 67 of the 150 dogs (45%; 95% CI, 37% to 53%); 41 dogs had 1 event, 18 had 2 events, 6 had 3 events, and 2 had 4 events. Deployment status during 9/11, breed, sex, and neuter status were not significantly associated with the affected body system.

Conclusions: The most affected body systems were the integumentary and musculoskeletal systems. The most common etiologies were trauma, neoplasia, inflammatory, and degenerative conditions. Search-and-rescue dogs experienced relatively routine or minor conditions despite the occupational hazards of their careers.

Clinical Relevance: Surgery will impact working dog health and performance. Preventive efforts to reduce and interventions to treat surgical conditions in SAR dogs should focus on the integumentary and musculoskeletal systems.