(Greensburg, IN) – The Greensburg Police Department is losing one of its two K9s to a medical retirement.
Hercules has developed hip issues, and a veterinarian determined the six-year-old German Shepherd has hip dysplasia, which is common for that breed of dog.
Dogs with hip dysplasia commonly show signs of hind limb lameness, pain, and muscle wasting or atrophy.
Owners usually notice their dogs are lame after exercise, run with a “bunny-hopping” gait, are reluctant to jump, or are not as active as other dogs.
Police Chief Mike McNealy says the veterinarian recommended a medical retirement for Hercules, which was approved by the Greensburg Board of Works Tuesday night.
Hercules has been on the force for five years.
His handler, Officer Stephen Hershberger, will assume responsibility for the animal after his retirement takes effect on March 31.
Hercules will spend his remaining days with the Hershberger family.
