GREENFIELD — Officer Donut, one of the Greenfield Police Department’s comfort dogs, is recovering from emergency surgery after being stricken ill suddenly Monday night and was discharged from the veterinary hospital on Tuesday afternoon.
Donut’s handler, Deputy Police Chief William Gordon, said the 3-year-old Saint Bernard was rushed to the Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital in South Deerfield shortly after 8:30 p.m. Monday and imaging was used to quickly diagnose bloat, an often-fatal condition in dogs that results from the stomach becoming severely inflated with gas. Gordon shared the news and posted updates on Facebook, where he was met with abundant well wishes.
“It’s very humbling to see that people have reached out from all over the world,” he said Tuesday, adding that he has also received private messages and texts.
Gordon said the veterinary bills came to about $3,800 and anyone willing to contribute can write a check to the Greenfield Police Department, 321 High St., Greenfield, MA 01301, c/o The Greenfield Police K-9 Fund. Gordon said this fund was set up to accept donations for Donut and K-9 Officer Niko, the department’s German shepherd.
Gordon — who lives with wife Laura Gordon, a Greenfield Police officer, as well as Donut and semi-retired comfort dog Clarence — explained he and Laura noticed something was wrong with Donut when he was let out to use “the bathroom” like always, but refused to come back inside or listen to the Gordons’ commands. Gordon said Donut’s favorite treat bag was shaken to no avail.
They put a leash on him and brought him inside, where they noticed his back was arched and his chest was ballooned. Gordon said he tapped on Donut’s chest and it sounded “like a drum,” meaning it was full of gas. The dog was then rushed to the Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital.
Gordon said he and his wife recognized the signs of bloat, having lost a dog to the condition about 20 years.
He said Donut will need to recuperate at home instead of visiting people at the Franklin County Fair this weekend. He said 10-year-old Clarence might make an appearance, as long as shade can be provided.
Gordon posted veterinarian-written articles to Facebook to educate people on bloat. According to Dr. Alison Birken, the condition is not completely understood by veterinarians, though generally large-breed dogs with barrel-shaped chests — such as Saint Bernards, Great Danes and standard poodles — are more susceptible, as are male and middle-aged dogs.
“Many dogs with bloat present with a history of eating or drinking a large amount followed with excessive activity, such as running,” Birken wrote.
Symptoms are panting, excessive salivation or drooling, retching, vomiting, distended abdomen, painful abdomen, unable to get comfortable and lie down, and pacing.
Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 262.