Tukka the Apiary Inspection Dog Injured, Our Community Answered!
More challenges likely ahead!

Many of you may know that Tukka, Maryland's sixth (and youngest) American Foulbrood (AFB) detection dog, suffered a major injury for which he required substantial specialized medical support. Working through the Montgomery County Beekeepers, the Maryland beekeeping community–including pledges from clubs and individuals–has provided financial support totaling over $14,000 for Tukka's surgery, physical therapy, and continued recovery. MSBA provided $3,000 to defray Tukka's medical expenses, and fund raising has ceased...at least for now.

Maryland beekeepers may not be aware that Mac, our fifth AFB dog, was scheduled to retire this year. Tukka's injury will keep Mac in service for now, but we need to look ahead to identifying and training another dog to ensure that our apiaries and our beekeeping community receive the unparalleled protection only these amazing dogs provide! Even when back to sniffing out AFB, Tukka's career may be somewhat shorter, so MSBA may again reach out in future to support the training of additional AFB dogs.

Cybil Preston fills us in: "Tukka had an accident on the farm, and fell 8 feet: fracturing his right front leg in 2 places. His humorous fractured in the shape of a Y just above/at the elbow joint. This serious fracture required 6.5 hours of orthopedic surgery. He came through like a champ and we started the long road of healing and rehabilitation."

"Tukka is healing well and is now 5 weeks past surgery. After his 2 week post-op checkup, we were cleared to start physical therapy. We attend weekly PT visits. We also have stretches and exercises to complete daily at home. He gets massage therapy, thermal laser therapy, water treadmill therapy and stretching.  He is typically exhausted afterward and sleeps for the 2-hour ride home." 

"He is now putting his foot down 25% of the time. He limps and sometimes drags his foot and the rest of the time he holds it up. Every day he is gaining strength and I can see increased ability. I will update with a photo and caption as time goes on."

"The cost of the surgery was around $8,000.00: the Maryland Department of Agriculture allocated $5,000.00 towards the total. The remainder of the surgery and 12+ weeks of physical therapy came out of my [Cybil's] pocket. The ongoing physical therapy averages about $200.00 a week, and we anticipate that it will take a whole year for him to get back to full strength."  

"Tukka and I truly appreciate the support that the Maryland Beekeeping community is showing us. I am humbled and grateful to call you all friends."  

[Return to November 2022 BeeLine newsletter]