K-9 Officer Bruno's Damaged Lungs Functioning Properly After Surgery
ANAHEIM (CBSLA.com) — Doctors said Friday K-9 Officer Bruno's repaired lungs were functioning properly after being damaged during a shootout last week.
Vets at Yorba Regional Animal Hospital reattached the bottom portion of the German Shepherd's tongue during an early morning surgery, according to the Anaheim Police Department.
"It was a very successful surgery," Lt. Tim Schmidt said. "They took his breathing tube out, and he's healing exactly the way they want him to."
Bruno was critically injured on March 20 after leading his handling Officer R.J. Young to a suspect who had shot at two parole officers.
A bullet struck him in the jaw, exited his mouth and lodged in his chest ending up less than an inch from his heart, according to officials.
Officers returned fire, fatally shooting the suspect, who was identified as 21-year-old Robert Moreno Jr., a known gang member who was released from jail 10 days earlier.
"There is no doubt in my mind that if Bruno weren't there, there's not a doubt in my mind that someone would have gotten hurt," Young said.
Anaheim police said it was unclear when Bruno will return home with Young and his family, but he will probably not be returning to work.
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