Superstar Sniffer Dog Dies – But Was it His Work That Killed Him?
A talented narcotics detection dog has had to be put to sleep having been diagnosed with nose cancer. Max, an English Springer Spaniel, has been involved in a host of successful drug finds and who’s work has aided in the capture of cocaine smugglers was already suffering with arthritis but there are fears the 9 year old’s cancer of the nose could have been caused by the work he did for the police
The Springer spent 7 years working on drug detection assignments for the Avon and Somerset police force and had to retire as a result of painful arthritis reaching his hips – for which he was fitted with a canine ‘wheelchair’ device to allow him to move freely and enjoy life as best as possible.
The crime busting canine received the diagnosis of nose cancer two months ago but sadly had to be put to sleep earlier this week.
Inspector Anne Higgins who looked after Max with fellow inspector Mike Ashwin told The Sun:
“It’s ironic the wonderful organ that made him successful in his work has been his demise.
“It may or may not have been connected to what he used to do. He had a good life and a successful one — just think of all the bad people he put away.”
Mike said: “It’s one of those things dogs get whether they are working or not. The thing to remember with spaniels who are sniffer dogs is that their noses are highly complex pieces of kit.
“Any sniffer dog’s nose is very likely to get diseased or infected because they are using it all the time. It’s their main organ.”
The cancer caused damage to Max’s facial bones and his vet, Kate Fairclough, suggested that sniffing cocaine “could well have been a factor”.
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