Grant County K-9 recovers after dental work

Dog's canine tooth repaired

By Lynne Lynch

Herald staff writer

EPHRATA - Grant County Sheriff's Office K-9 Lex recovered from surgery after having his broken canine tooth fixed by two Moses Lake dentists.

"He's back to playing with his doll, he wants to jump on me and play around," said Lex's handler Grant County Corporal Gary Mansford on Wednesday.

Mansford also described the 90-pound Belgium German Shepherd's condition as "wonderful."

The problem with the tooth was discovered in March when the dog visited the dentist for a check-up.

The small bit of tooth that had broken off at the end was repaired because the root was exposed and infection needed to be prevented, Mansford said. The tooth was filled and a root canal was done. Mansford said he didn't know how Lex's tooth broke.

Lex's temperament didn't change because of the broken tooth and he never stopped eating, Mansford said.

The dental work was done in March for free by dentists Rory Knapp and Tom Hilliard in dentist Darrell Schafer's Moses Lake office, Mansford said. Knapp's dental assistant Marina Garry also helped with the procedure.

Moses Lake veterinarian Marvin Chamberlain and his assistant Cindy McAdoo aided with anesthesia and Lex's recovery from surgery.

Lex joined the Grant County K-9 unit in December after he was bought from the Othello Police Department as Othello stopped its K-9 program. He was considered "a real steal" and is trained in tracking and drug recognition, according to a sheriff's office news release.

The Grant County K-9 unit is being paid for mostly with donations from the public.

The unit has two officers, Mansford and Deputy Darrik Gregg and two dogs, Lex and Cody. The goal is to have four K-9 officers by someday adding two more officers. There are also hopes to have a dog available on a shift to reduce overtime.