Special Examinations

Introduction

Special examinations are an essential component of preventive healthcare for service dogs in dog units. While the annual routine examination forms the basis, specialized medical examinations enable a thorough analysis of the health and performance of dogs. These examinations are particularly important for dogs working in demanding areas such as rescue services, police, or customs.

What are Special Examinations?

Special examinations are in-depth medical examinations performed by veterinary specialists. They go beyond the standard routine examination and focus on specific organ systems or health aspects. These examinations are either performed preventively to detect potential problems early, or when certain diseases are suspected.

Distinction from Routine Examination

While the annual examination represents a comprehensive basic check, special examinations focus on:

• In-depth diagnostics of individual organ systems
• Advanced imaging procedures such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI
• Specialized laboratory analyses with extended parameters
• Functional tests for specific organs or systems
• Hereditary diseases and genetic predispositions

Types of Special Examinations

Cardiological Examinations

Cardiovascular diseases can significantly impair the performance of service dogs. Cardiac special examinations include:

Echocardiography (Heart Ultrasound)

• Assessment of heart structure and function
• Detection of heart valve defects
• Measurement of cardiac performance
• Early detection of heart muscle diseases

Electrocardiography (ECG)

• Analysis of heart rhythm
• Detection of cardiac arrhythmias
• Assessment of electrical heart activity
• Monitoring under stress

Blood Pressure Measurement

• Regular blood pressure monitoring
• Detection of hypertension or hypotension
• Adjustment of stress intensity

Indications for cardiological examinations:

• Shortness of breath or performance weakness
• Coughing, especially after exertion
• Fainting spells or collapse
• Regular monitoring in older dogs
• Before intensive training phases

Orthopedic Examinations

Service dogs are exposed to high physical stress. Orthopedic special examinations are therefore of particular importance:

X-ray Examinations

• Assessment of bone structures
• Detection of osteoarthritis
• Joint changes
• Spinal problems

Joint Examinations

• Mobility tests of all joints
• Detection of limitations
• Pain assessment
• Instability tests

Gait Analysis

• Assessment of movement patterns
• Detection of lameness
• Compensation mechanisms
• Load distribution

Indications for orthopedic examinations:

• Lameness or movement abnormalities
• Joint swelling
• Stiffness after rest periods
• Reduced jumping ability
• Regular monitoring in working dogs

Neurological Examinations

The nervous system is crucial for coordination and performance:

Basic Neurological Examination

• Reflex tests
• Sensitivity tests
• Coordination tests
• Pain sensation

Imaging Procedures

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) for suspected neurological problems
• CT (Computed Tomography) for detailed bone structures
• X-ray of the spine

Electrodiagnostics

• EMG (Electromyography) to assess muscle function
• Nerve conduction velocity measurement

Indications for neurological examinations:

• Coordination disorders
• Paralysis symptoms
• Seizures
• Behavioral changes
• Consciousness disorders

Ophthalmological Examinations

Vision is crucial for many areas of deployment:

Extended Eye Examination

• Slit lamp examination
• Fundoscopy (retinal examination)
• Tonometry (intraocular pressure measurement)
• Tear production test

Special Examinations

• Electroretinography (ERG) to assess retinal function
• Eye ultrasound
• Gonioscopy (chamber angle examination)

Indications for ophthalmological examinations:

• Clouding of the eyes
• Redness or inflammation
• Vision disorders
• Regular monitoring in older dogs
• Breed-related eye diseases

Dermatological Examinations

Skin problems can impair operational capability:

Skin Examinations

• Detailed inspection of the entire skin
• Hair analysis
• Allergy tests
• Parasite examinations

Skin Biopsies

• For unclear skin changes
• Tumor diagnostics
• Inflammation diagnostics

Indications for dermatological examinations:

• Chronic skin problems
• Itching
• Hair loss
• Skin changes
• Allergies

Laboratory Examinations

Extended laboratory analyses go beyond standard blood tests:

Special Laboratory Values

• Hormone analyses (thyroid, adrenal gland)
• Coagulation diagnostics
• Immunological parameters
• Tumor markers

Urine Examinations

• Extended urine analyses
• Bacterial cultures
• Crystal analysis

Stool Examinations

• Parasitological examinations
• Bacteriological analyses
• Digestive diagnostics

Timing and Frequency

Regular Special Examinations

Annual Special Examinations:

• Cardiological examination from the 5th year of life
• Orthopedic examination in working dogs annually
• Ophthalmological examination in older dogs

Biannual Examinations:

• Basic neurological examination
• Extended laboratory examinations

Indication-Based Examinations

Special examinations should be performed when:

• Abnormalities in the routine examination
• Performance decline without apparent cause
• Behavioral changes
• Before intensive training phases
• After injuries or illnesses
• Before retirement for health assessment

Procedure of a Special Examination

Preparation

1. Appointment scheduling with the specialist
2. Preparation of the dog (fasting for certain examinations)
3. Bringing all relevant documents (health passport, previous examinations)
4. Documentation of current symptoms or abnormalities

Examination Procedure

1. Medical history discussion with the veterinarian
2. General clinical examination
3. Specialized examination of the respective specialty
4. Imaging or further diagnostics
5. Discussion of results
6. Recommendations for further measures

Follow-up

1. Documentation of results in the health passport
2. Implementation of recommendations
3. Regular follow-up checks as needed
4. Coordination with the dog handler about adjustments

Costs and Financing

Cost Overview

Financing Options

Public Financing:

• Dog unit budget
• Public preventive healthcare
• Special funding programs

Insurance:

• Pet health insurance
• Special insurance for service dogs
• Organization-specific insurance

Donations and Funding:

• Fundraising campaigns
• Support associations
• Sponsoring

Significance for Operational Capability

Early Detection of Problems

Special examinations enable early detection of health problems before they impair operational capability. This enables:

• Timely treatment and therapy
• Adjustment of stress to the health situation
• Preventive measures for health maintenance
• Longer operational capability of the dog

Performance Optimization

Through detailed knowledge of health status, the following can be achieved:

• Training plans can be individually adapted
• Stress peaks can be avoided
• Recovery phases can be optimally planned
• Performance reserves can be better estimated

Safety

Health problems can affect the safety of dog and handler. Special examinations contribute to:

• Risk minimization in deployment
• Early detection of emergency situations
• Safe deployment planning
• Protection of dog and team

Checklist: When to Perform Special Examinations?

• Regular cardiological examination from the 5th year of life
• Orthopedic examination at first signs of lameness
• Neurological examination for coordination disorders
• Ophthalmological examination for vision disorders
• Dermatological examination for chronic skin problems
• Extended laboratory examinations for unclear symptoms
• Before intensive training phases or examinations
• After injuries or illnesses
• In case of performance decline without apparent cause
• Before retirement for health assessment

Cooperation with Specialists

Selection of the Specialist

Criteria for selection:

• Specialist title in the respective area
• Experience with service dogs
• Availability and accessibility
• Recommendations from other dog units
• Cost-benefit ratio

Communication

Good communication between dog handler, veterinarian, and specialist is crucial:

• Regular exchange about health status
• Documentation of all examination results
• Coordination of treatment plans
• Continuous care

Documentation

Health Passport

All special examinations must be documented in the health passport:

• Date of examination
• Type of examination
• Results and findings
• Recommendations and measures
• Follow-up checks and appointments

Digital Documentation

Modern dog units use digital systems for:

• Central storage of all health data
• Quick access to examination results
• Long-term comparisons and trends
• Automatic reminders for follow-up checks

Best Practices

Regular Planning

1. Creating an annual examination plan
2. Coordination with routine examinations
3. Budget planning for special examinations
4. Making appointments in a timely manner

Proactive Preventive Healthcare

• Early detection instead of reaction to problems
• Regular checks even in healthy dogs
• Preventive measures based on examination results
• Continuous adjustment of health strategy

Teamwork

• Involvement of all participants (dog handler, veterinarian, specialist)
• Open communication about health aspects
• Joint decisions about treatment measures
• Continuous training of the team

Frequently Asked Questions

When should the first special examination be performed?

The first special examination should be performed no later than from the 5th year of life or at first abnormalities. In dogs with increased stress, earlier examinations may be advisable.

How often must special examinations be repeated?

The frequency depends on the type of examination and health status. Cardiological and orthopedic examinations should be performed annually in working dogs.

Are the costs covered by the organization?

This depends on the respective organization and its budget. Many dog units have fixed budgets for preventive healthcare, others finance through insurance or donations.

Can special examinations impair operational capability?

No, on the contrary. Special examinations serve health maintenance and enable optimal adjustment of stress to the individual situation of the dog.

What happens if problems are detected during a special examination?

Depending on the type and severity of the problem, individual treatment plans are created. This can range from adjustments in training to therapeutic measures.