[Mineral metabolism in dogs during training and work stress]

The contents of basic mineral elements (Na, K, Mg, Ca, P, Cl) were investigated in service dogs during their long-term basic training; the dogs belonged to two age categories, and the influence of different work stress (sentry, tracker, watch dogs) on the changes in the contents of these elements was also studied. Great changes in the dynamics of individual elements were demonstrated during the long-term training, signalling the beginning of muscular insufficiency and fatigue in the course of training, as well as the onset of adaptation processes to the psychic and physical stress (Na, K, Mg). The increased contents of Ca and P at the beginning and during the intensive training with a risk of bone demineralization, indicate the beginning of osteopathy, disorders of muscular and nervous irritability and unbalanced feed rations. The satisfactory adaptation process with the stabilized internal environment in the sphere of minerals metabolism is documented in service dogs by the long-term and qualitatively different work stress. The results of our studies can be included into the tests of training and work stress in service dogs.