Dr. Lisa Parker diagnosed K9 Copper with Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus
K9 Copper’s handler, Officer Cierra Johnson is being credited with saving his life by recognizing the emergency in time for the veterinarians at Rockledge Animal Clinic to intervene.
BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA, FLORIDA – Cocoa police hound dog K9 Copper recently returned to full duty following two weeks of recovery after having undergone life-saving emergency surgery.
The surgery was needed due to a case of Gastric Dilation and Volvulus, commonly referred to as “Bloat.”
K9 Copper’s handler, Officer Cierra Johnson is being credited with saving his life by recognizing the emergency in time for the veterinarians at Rockledge Animal Clinic to intervene.
The Rockledge Animal Clinic veterinarians recently gave Copper a clean bill of health after Officer Johnson noted K9 Copper began to have non-productive repetitive vomiting shortly after visiting a school that morning.
Rockledge Animal Clinic veterinarians said Officer Johnson was aware that K9 Copper had an annual exam scheduled with us later in the day; however, she was concerned that he had a more serious issue developing that could not wait. She immediately called the clinic and reported what symptoms K9 Copper was showing and asked if she could be seen sooner.
Officer Johnson escorted K9 Copper to Rockledge Animal Clinic and was seen emergently, at which time Dr. Lisa Parker diagnosed K9 Copper with Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV) or “Bloat.”
GDV is a life-threatening disorder most commonly seen in large, deep-chested dogs, although any dog may be affected. In the first stages, the stomach acutely fills with gas and causes abdominal discomfort. Sometimes, the condition progresses no further than this. In other animals the condition will progress, as was the case for K9 Copper; in which the huge, gas-filled stomach twists upon itself so that both the entrance and exit of the stomach become blocked.
When this happens, the blood flow to the stomach and spleen can become compromised, and the normal blood flow through the body becomes altered resulting in a life-threatening emergency that requires urgent surgery to correct.
Dr. Parker and our staff stabilized K9 Copper and prepped him for emergency surgery. K9 Copper was taken to surgery to decompress the stomach and rotate it back to its normal position; a procedure called a Gastropexy was performed to permanently attach the stomach to the body wall, to prevent recurrence in the future.
Officer Johnson remained at the clinic throughout the procedure and was brought to the recovery area when he woke up dysphoric; her presence immediately calmed K9 Copper and she stayed by his side, head in her lap, for the remainder of the day while Dr. Parker and staff continued to monitor him through recovery.
GDV is an unpredictable disorder that rapidly progresses and can cause severe damage to the stomach and spleen, as well as cause cardiovascular collapse, if not diagnosed and treated immediately.
Due to Officer Johnson’s vigilance and rapid response to K9 Copper’s clinical signs, he was able to get the emergency care he needed to not only survive but prevent any damage to his internal organs.
“We salute Officer Johnson for her dedication to her canine partner and her role in saving his life! Rockledge Animal Clinic is blessed to be able to work closely with the Cocoa PD to provide care for their K9 Heros. Wishing you a speedy recovery, K9 Copper!”
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