|
"Tracking
Bloodhound" |
 |
 |
This is “Columbo” and a
radiograph of his arthritic hips. Columbo is a hard working tracking and
sniffing 9 year old male bloodhound that still works for the
Sheriff’s department, thanks to his hip replacement.
Three years ago, Columbo was about to be retired due to a very
painful hip. He had thigh
muscle atrophy and was having difficulty getting up, running, and
keeping up the pace while at work.
He had been on aspirin for several
years. Retirement was a dreaded thought for his Officer partner.
Columbo received his total hip
replacement on November 18, 1997. He
returned to active duty in a couple months (and wanted to start back
within a couple weeks). He
continues to amaze people with his ability. He
has identified evidence from crime scenes that has lead to
convictions in 43 murders
and over 800 felonies. He
has found 26 lost people. About
half of this work has been completed since his hip replacement.
Dogs
such as Columbo are priceless not only to his Officer owner but also to
the courts and our society. His
unconditional lifetime dedication 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365
days a year is exceptional – and he does it for fun. He detests being
left at home when there is work to do.
He gets the best of care for his efforts.
What a shame it would have been to be forced into early
retirement due to a treatable problem like arthritis of the hip joint.
Contributed
by William D. Liska, DVM, DACVS
Houston, Texas
