Medical and behavioral surveillance of dogs deployed to the World Trade Center and the Pentagon from October 2001 to June 2002.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate early medical and behavioral effects of deployment to the World Trade Center, Fresh Kills Landfill, or the Pentagon on responding search-and-rescue (SAR) dogs.


METHODS
Prospective double cohort study.


METHODS
The first cohort included SAR dogs responding to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks (deployed), and the second cohort included SAR dogs trained in a similar manner but not deployed (controls). Enrollment occurred from October 2001 to June 2002.


METHODS
Dogs were examined by their local veterinarians; thoracic radiographs and blood samples were shipped to the University of Pennsylvania for analysis. Handlers completed medical and training histories and a canine behavioral survey.


RESULTS
Deployed dogs were older and had more search experience than control dogs. Serum concentrations of globulin and bilirubin and activity of alkaline phosphatase were significantly higher in deployed dogs, independent of age and training. Despite significant differences in several blood parameters, values for both groups were within reference ranges. No pulmonary abnormalities were detected on radiographs, and no significant differences in behavior or medical history were detected between groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Within the first year following the September 11 attacks, there was no evidence that responding dogs developed adverse effects related to their work. Mild but significantly higher serum concentrations of globulin and bilirubin and activity of alkaline phosphatase in deployed dogs suggested higher antigen or toxin exposure. These dogs will be monitored for delayed effects for at least 3 years.
Department of Clinical Studies-Philadelphia, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6010, USA.
Cynthia M
CM
Otto
Amanda B
AB
Downend
James A
JA
Serpell
Lisa S
LS
Ziemer
H Mark
HM
Saunders
D000367:Age Factors; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D001663:Bilirubin / Q000097:blood; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004219:District of Columbia / Q000453:epidemiology; D004285:Dogs / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005916:Globulins / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D009519:New York City / Q000453:epidemiology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012016:Reference Values; D018635:Rescue Work / Q000379:methods*; D018571:Sentinel Surveillance / Q000662:veterinary*; D023481:Terrorism; D013997:Time Factors
D005916:Globulins; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase; D001663:Bilirubin