Brisant is a four-year-old German Shepherd working for the Cal Poly University Police Department on the Cal Poly campus in San Luis Obispo, California. Trained in patrol/apprehension, soft surface tracking, and article searches, his primary role is patrolling the campus. His partner, Officer Chad Reiley, describes Brisant as “one of those dogs who love to go to work—he is always on the lookout when we drive around.” While Brisant is a very social K-9, Reiley explains that when it’s time to work, “nobody wants to be around him because he is so serious.”
Brisant is usually a “happy healthy German Shepherd with no major health issues.” During a training day, however, Officer Reiley noticed that Brisant received a small cut on his foot and he had bitten his tongue. Both cuts were bleeding slightly, but, as Reiley describes, there was “nothing to be concerned about.” Once the cuts on his foot/tongue refused to stop bleeding, Reiley rushed him to Ventura Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group.
While at the hospital, Brisant was still bleeding, and he was found to have an autoimmune disorder called ITP. This disorder causes the immune system to attack the red blood cells, which can cause the blood to become extremely thin, causing dogs to bleed out from the smallest of cuts.
Officer Reiley is particularly thankful to Dr. Ron Dalzell from the National Police Dog Foundation Medical Committee, who drove to the emergency room to help diagnose Brisant and give his recommendations. Since Brisant’s first night, he has been cared for by the Central Coast ER Clinic. Brisant still needs weekly blood draws as he is weaned off of medication to restore his blood platelet count. Reiley explains that despite some side effects from his medication, Brisant is in good spirits.
Officer Reiley explained that his department does not fund any aspect of their K-9 program, so when Brisant needed emergency medical treatment, his first concern was the financial burden. Thankfully, because of the National Police Dog Foundation, Brisant had received a PetPlan insurance donation, one full year of pet insurance. Reiley explains, “having the peace of mind that Brisant has pet insurance let me put my focus on the care Brisant needed instead of the concern of finances.” The National Police Dog Foundation is proud to contribute to Brisant’s health and wishes him a speedy recovery.
The ongoing medical care for K-9s can be very expensive and most K-9 units simply do not have the funds for the ever increasing medical costs for K-9s. The National Police Dog Foundation commends these K-9s for their dedication and service and is proud to assist in the costs of Medical Care for K-9s. Please click on the button below to donate to our Active K-9 Medical Fund. The K-9s really need your help!
.fusion-button.button-11{width:auto;}CLICK HERE To Donate to our Active K-9 Medical Fund