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“Deissel gets his bite back”
It was discovered that one of Deissel’s four canines (fangs) was broken. Typically dogs with this condition would have the tooth extracted and get along just fine with the remaining three. Deissel needed this tooth in order to perform his job apprehending fugitives and protecting his partner. Deissel was going to need a root canal, which was estimated at several thousand dollars. The Lebanon Police Department didn’t have this kind of money in their budget. Officer Jeremy Perkins took Deissel to Tufts University and local veterinarians, but each time the cost of surgery was more then the department could justify. Once Curt Jacques, owner of the West Lebanon Feed and Supply heard of the predicament he quickly made some telephone calls. Jacques has been a long time supporter of the Lebanon K-9 program, and knew that something must be done to save Deissel’s career. He quickly made a telephone call to Dr. Kelly at Stonecliff Animal Clinic, and human dentist Tom Schell. Dr Kelly agreed to donate all of his time and hospital facility, and Dr. Schell also agreed to donate his expertise. Dr. Schell began researching veterinary dentistry. Neither doctor wanted to make light of the veterinary dentistry specialists, but it was obvious that the police department could not afford to go this route and this would be Deissels only chance. Dr. Kelly put Dr. Schell in contact with dental experts at Michigan State University as well as Colorado State University. Both doctors were excited to do this for the Lebanon K-9 program and a date was set in mid-December for the surgery. Dr. Kelly with his wife and several other staff members began
preparing Deissel for his surgical procedure. After preliminary
blood work was completed an intravenous catheter was placed. Deissel
was placed under anesthesia and Dr. Kelly took preliminary radiographs.
SAC nursing staff monitored the patient while the dentists prepared
to perform the root canal. A few hours later Deissel would wake
up to a temporary tooth. We are very proud to have been able to help this fine canine officer and wish him the very best in his exciting future with the Lebanon Police Department. Some Pictures From Diessel's Dental Surgery
Deissels medical caregivers:
Placing the gold - Dentists fit the gold crown into place
The new tooth - first look at the new canine
Viewing the rads - police officers and doctors view the preliminary radiographic views of Deissel's teeth.
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Deissel, a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois is one of the newest members
of the Lebanon Police Department. Having come to the Upper Valley
through a Dutch breeder, Deissel had a very bright future with
the department’s canine unit. He was learning his commands
quickly and his partner, Officer Jeremy Perkins was forming a tight
bond with him. Suddenly in November Deissel appeared off. His ears
drooped and when officers reached to pet him his head would avoid
the contact.
