A Boundary County search and rescue dog underwent additional surgery on Feb. 13 after complications arose following a thoracotomy procedure earlier in the month to remove a seed in his lung.  

Initially sent home to recover after the Feb . 7 surgery, Zuko was later re-admitted to the veterinary hospital, where he was diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia. A CT scan revealed that his healthy lung had developed torsion, complicating his recovery. 

“He began rapidly declining. He developed a fever of 105.0 degrees, stopped eating, and became listless,” said Ava Wion, Zuko’s handler and member of the Boundary Search and Dive Rescue Team..  

After going back to the veterinarian and being diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia, a CT scan was performed, and it was discovered that Zuko’s healthy lung was twisted. An emergency lobectomy was performed. “He lost one out of two lobes in his left lung, as the twisted lung was completely black.” Said Wion about the surgery.  

The surgery was successful and Zuko is now home and recovering.  

“I’m endlessly thankful to his veterinarian and veterinary team at Pet Emergency Clinic in Spokane, Washington,  for their round-the-clock care and for saving Zuko’s life.” Wion expressed her gratitude to the veterinary team, as well as Spike’s K9 Fund. “His veterinarian saved his life yesterday, and so did Spikes K9 Fund. They have not stopped with their constant support through all of this and have continued to cover every single cost associated with Zuko’s surgery.” 

The cost of Zuko’s care is now estimated to be around $20,000. Spike’s K9 Fund is the organization covering the bills for all Zuko’s medical care. Prior to Zuko’s emergency care, Spike’s K9 Fund had also donated the K-9's custom fit Kevlar search vest, trauma kit, and GPS collar. 

Wion is looking to help Spike’s K9 Fund cover the cost of the surgery and repay them for all of the organization’s help and support.  Donations have reached over $11,000 so far.  

To donate toward the surgery’s cost and show support for the organization, go online to donate.spikesk9fund.org/k9zuko.     

Spike’s K9 Fund is dedicated to protecting the nation’s working dogs by providing custom-fit ballistic vests, protective equipment, medical cost assistance, and access to top-of-the-line training programs.    

Boundary Search & Dive Rescue Team is a non-profit volunteer organization which operates under the authority of the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office. Over the years, members have assisted the sheriff’s office with searches for lost hikers, hunters, water rescues and recoveries. BSDRT’s purpose is to provide a well trained and equipped search and rescue force to support Boundary County in the event of a search or other emergency.