**Background:** Military working dogs (MWDs) in the Republic of Korea serve critical roles in guarding, scouting, and explosive detection. Their utility and longevity are affected by breed-specific and environment-related diseases. While disease patterns have been studied in other working dog populations, no prior study had characterized the disease burden of Korean MWDs. Understanding these patterns is essential for developing targeted preventive care strategies.
**Methods:** The authors conducted a retrospective review of medical records from all MWDs presented to the Armed Forces Medical Research Institute (AFMRI) between November 2017 and March 2021. A total of 353 MWDs (215 males, 138 females; mean age 6±3 years) accounting for 1072 medical cases were included. Breeds comprised German Shepherd Dog (GSD), Belgian Malinois (BM), Labrador Retriever (LR), and English Springer Spaniel (ESS). Age groups were classified per 2019 AAHA guidelines: young adult (1–4 years), mature adult (5–9 years), senior (10–12 years), and end-of-life (≥13 years). Puppies and end-of-life dogs were excluded from certain analyses due to small numbers. ESS were excluded from breed comparisons due to size differences. Medical data included breed, duty, sex, age, body weight, clinical signs, diagnoses, and surgical procedures. Only the first diagnosis per case was analyzed to minimize duplication. SNAP 4Dx testing was used for vector-borne disease serology. Cases of gait abnormality were analyzed separately for orthopedic and neurologic causes.
**Key Results:** GSD was the most common breed, followed by BM, LR, and ESS. Intact males predominated. The most common duty was guarding. Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders were the most frequently diagnosed disease category, followed by dental and musculoskeletal diseases. GI diseases were 2.3 times more common than ear and skin disorders combined. Foreign body (FB) ingestion was the most prevalent GI disorder, with leather collars or leashes being the most common foreign object. Other FBs included metallic objects, towels/gloves, plastic, stones/sand, balls, string, oxygen absorbers, fruit seeds, and electric wires. Most FBs were located in the stomach and were removed via upper GI endoscopy, followed by gastrotomy, spontaneous evacuation, and enterotomy. Among dogs with FB ingestion, 9 of 42 ingested FB more than twice. FB ingestion was highest in young adults (51.9%, 27/52) and in neutered dogs (76.9%, 40/52) compared to intact dogs (23.1%, 12/52). Dental diseases—primarily periodontal disease and tooth fractures—were the second most common category. Musculoskeletal diseases, especially degenerative joint disease (DJD), sprains/strains, and cranial cruciate ligament disease, were the leading causes of gait abnormality. Neurologic conditions (intervertebral disc disease, degenerative lumbosacral stenosis) were also common in dogs with gait abnormalities. Senior dogs had higher rates of neurological and oncological diseases. SNAP 4Dx testing revealed Anaplasma spp. as the most prevalent vector-borne pathogen, followed by Dirofilaria immitis and Ehrlichia spp. Dental surgeries were the most common surgical procedures performed, followed by GI surgeries for FB removal. Castration for reproductive diseases was also frequently performed.
**Clinical Implications:** The high prevalence of GI disorders due to FB ingestion suggests that stress-induced ingestive behavioral problems are a major health issue in Korean MWDs. The authors recommend regular assessment and improvement of housing, living, and working conditions to reduce stress, along with maintaining positive handler–dog relationships. Preventive dental care, including routine prophylaxis and handler-administered oral care, is essential given the high burden of dental disease. For musculoskeletal health, dogs with genetic risk factors for hip dysplasia should be excluded from breeding, and routine monitoring for hip joint disorders is advised. Early detection and treatment of neurological diseases (IVDD, DLSS) via MRI—which was not available at AFMRI—should be prioritized to extend working lifespan. Prophylactic gastropexy may be considered given the predisposition of MWD breeds to gastric dilatation-volvulus. The study is limited by its single-center, secondary-care setting, which may not capture all cases managed at primary-care field veterinary units.