K9 Luka is recovering after a medical emergency last month forced a 10-hour surgery. (Photo courtesy: Grand Chute Police Department)
GRAND CHUTE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A K9 officer with the Grand Chute Police Department is recovering after a medical emergency last month forced a 10-hour surgery.
According to a Facebook post from GCPD, K9 Luka was working a night shift August 25 when he began to display lethargy and labored breathing. His handler, Sergeant Weisnicht, took Luka to BluePearl Pet Hospital in Grand Chute to be evaluated.
Blood had accumulated around Luka’s heart and needed to be removed, medical staff determined. After the initial procedure, Luka was stabilized and monitored overnight.
The following day, Luka was transferred to UW Veterinary Care in Madison to receive further treatment. More blood was drained from his chest cavity as a team of experts worked to identify the source of the blood.
Significant diagnostic testing revealed Luka “had an abnormal vessel coming from his heart due to a birth defect.” He remained in critical care until a “complex corrective surgery” lasting approximately 10 hours was performed August 29.
Luka was hospitalized until September 1, at which point he was discharged to continue recovering at home.
Luka’s recovery has not been free from challenges, but the department is committed to obtaining all necessary treatment at UW Veterinary Care. We are optimistic that Luka will be able to return to full duty in the coming months. We express our sincere appreciation to the dedicated veterinary teams at BluePearl Pet Hospital, and UW Veterinary Care as well as the Operational K9 Medical Team for their expertise and compassion throughout Luka’s treatment. Luka’s journey has resonated deeply with many, and we eagerly anticipate his full recovery and eventual return to his vital role alongside his fellow officers.
GCPD’s canine program was started in 2011 and has been funded almost exclusively through community donations from the community.
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