Prescott AZ (September 23, 2014) – Recently YCSO K9 Deputy Randy Evers took his companion and law enforcement partner, “Neo,” to the veterinarian out of concern the K9 was not eating and acting very lethargic. A mass was discovered in Neo’s abdomen and there was fear it could be cancer. In order to check the mass, surgery would be required and the cost would nearly eliminate the budget designated for vet care involving the complete K9 team. Neo was also close to retirement, so there was consideration to wait and see how Neo fared on his own.
Enter Dr. Brice Smith, owner of Mile Hi Animal Hospital in Prescott. Dr. Smith did not want to let Neo suffer further believing in a possibility the mass was something other than cancer. After consulting with Deputy Evers and the K9 support team, Dr. Smith offered to donate his time to complete the surgery.
During the surgery, Dr. Smith discovered that the mass was actually a section of tennis ball lodged in Neo’s intestine. Since the operation, Deputy Evers states that Neo acts like a new dog and is fully alert. Deputy Evers and the K9 team are extremely grateful for Dr. Smith’s willingness to act quickly and relieve Neo of the obstruction while determining that cancer was not a factor – and all at no cost.
On September 18, 2014, Lt Dan Raiss and Deputy Evers presented Dr. Smith with a plaque expressing immense gratitude for his efforts.
Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at 928-771-3260 or the YCSO website: www.ycsoaz.gov
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2 Comments
Way to go, Dr. Smith! Our doctors help out in cases similar to this too. Many thanks for helping Neo to have a few more happy years.
Jean Wilcox
Bookkeeper
Academy Animal Hospital
Solana Beach, CA
Dog owners should be advised that tennis balls are a dangerous toy for dogs. It is not uncommon for them to split and go down the dog’s throat as evidently was the case with this dog. A dog’s teeth can easily puncture the ball. Some dogs have choked to death from a punctured tennis ball. Please dog owners do not be throwing around a tennis ball for your dog.