COLUMBIA, Mo. — As a professional dog trainer in southern California, Liz Randall has trained several dogs to compete in agility events throughout her career. But something about Rhoen, her current border collie, is different.
“Rhoen is special,” Randall said. “He is the sweetest, most loving, goofball, teddy bear dog, but he also loves to work. When it is competition time, he flips the switch, becoming very intense, fast and powerful.”
Twists and turns
In November of 2020, shortly after competing in agility events, Rhoen started showing signs of respiratory distress. After consulting with Julie Fisher, a veterinary specialist in the San Diego area, Randall was referred to Carol Reinero, a professor, researcher, and co-director of the BREATHE (Bringing REspiratory and Aerodigestion Toward HEalth) Clinic at the University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
“When it comes to my dogs, I want them treated by the best of the best,” Randall said. “I was willing to go wherever I would receive the most professional and highest level of care possible, and Dr. Reinero’s reputation as one of the best respiratory specialists in the country brought me to Mizzou.”
In fall 2021, Reinero and her team were able to diagnose Rhoen with a developmental lung disease using advanced imaging techniques and ultimately a lung biopsy.
“At Mizzou, we have state-of-the-art imaging capabilities, a team of specialists and expert external collaborators that allow us to evaluate patients with respiratory disease to a high level, even when diseases may not yet be described or fully characterized as in Rhoen’s case,” Reinero said.
Randall was not only impressed with the care her dog received at Mizzou but also with the way she was treated as Rhoen’s owner.
“Mizzou provided the best veterinary experience I have ever had in my life,” Randall said. “The doctors and staff were so caring, clear in their communication with me every step of the way, and I never felt like I was being rushed. The Mizzou veterinarians were so patient, empathetic and thoughtful. I have so much respect for them and how they run their practice.”
Back on track
After several months of recovery, Rhoen was able to start competing in agility events again. In fact, in spring 2022, he won an overall championship at a UKI Agility International event.
“When dogs have lung disease severe enough to impact their breathing, it is not expected for them to return to the status of an elite athlete,” Reinero said. “It was the combination of Rhoen’s tenacity and Liz’s unwavering support and training that allowed him to exceed all expectations.”
In the summer of 2022, Rhoen had another respiratory setback. After consulting with Reinero about the monitoring strategy they put together, Rhoen underwent a second surgery in the San Diego area to remove identified diseased tissue that could have led to a life-threatening complication.
“He has made a remarkable recovery ever since,” Randall said. “The relationship I developed with the vets at Mizzou helped Rhoen continue to receive excellent care back home in southern California.”
Rhoen is now six years old and is still competing thanks to his two-legged friends at Mizzou.
“I have been keeping in touch with Dr. Reinero to let her know how much I appreciated her efforts to help my dog,” Randall said. “I’m just astounded with how well he is doing now. I knew she would be excited to hear about his recovery. What specialty veterinarians do is very difficult and delivering bad news to dog owners is understandably part of their job, so it felt good to give her some good news and say ‘thank you.’”
