Ultrasonographic Assessment of the Shoulder in Working Sled Dog Breeds
Abstract
During preparation for sled dog races the Alaskan sled dog endures thousands of miles and hours pulling a sled over snow, rock and barren ground. Race veterinarians report that shoulder injuries are the number one injury during these events. Due to the environment and conditions surrounding these types of race events, examination and documentation of these injuries has been difficult to perform. In similarities, during operational deployments and extensive training events the military working dog (MWD) endures long distances in extreme environments during periods of daylight and darkness thus subjecting the MWD to similar injuries encountered by the Alaskan Sled Dog. The Iditarod offers a unique approach to accumulating a substantial amount of musculoskeletal injures. It is not feasible or possible to collect the same data on injured MWDÕs to gain the same set of data and determine unique avenues of treatment and outcomes. The objective of this study is to perform ultrasound examinations of the shoulder in dropped race dogs. In particular we assess shoulder instability, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, biceps and terres minor musculotendinous injuries. Documentation of these injuries will give the field veterinarian a detailed list of common changes to shoulder maladies allowing them to better assess and treat the involved sled dog. Extent of injuries will be explored to aid the veterinarian and musher in determination of long-term outcomes that will impact the future participation for the racing dog. This injury analysis will also provide data and novel approaches to assessment of injuries for the DoD Veterinarian providing care to the military working dog. The investigative team will use the needed portable ultrasound machine and high frequency transducers to conduct the ultrasound examinations. Currently the diagnostic team does not have a high quality portable ultrasound machine capable of producing images of diagnostic quality.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 07, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1610358
Entities
People
- Scott Secrest
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- United States Army
- University of Georgia