[ilbegone]

Full recovery expected for K-9 sickened after inhaling drugs during search

A police dog from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department that had a seizure after apparently inhaling some methamphetamine during a narcotics search is expected to make a full recovery, authorities said this morning.

K-9 Balu was released from the Pet Emergency Clinic in Thousand Oaks Monday afternoon, said Capt. Ross Bonfiglio, a spokesman for the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department. Balu was treated at the clinic for ingestion of methamphetamine

“Right now they don’t think there will be any lingering effects,” Bonfiglio said. “We’re optimistic that he’ll make a full recovery.”

Balu could return to training as early as today, Bonfiglio said. Authorities plan to keep a close watch on the 88-pound German Shepherd in case he has any more seizures, a possibility they believe is a “very remote,” said the captain.

Balu was treated at the emergency clinic after his partner, Senior Deputy Dean Worthy, rushed him there about 3 a.m. Monday. Worthy took his 88-pound canine partner to the clinic after the K-9 had a violent seizure about two hours after a narcotics search in the 14000 block of Avenida Colonia in Moorpark, he said.

Sheriff’s officials suspect Balu sniffed up some loose meth from a torn bag during the search.

Worthy stayed at the clinic with his K-9 partner until the dog was released, Bonfiglio said.