CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) – Veterinarians have confirmed the first known case of a rare, deadly dog disease in Iowa. KCRG-TV reports a 4-month-old black lab named Shadow from Independence was diagnosed with canine dysautonomia, an illness that attacks the part of a dog’s nervous system that regulates many body organs, including the heart and digestive tract. The diagnosis means Iowa now joins a handful of other Midwestern states where canine dysautonomia has been confirmed.

Kathy Finholt, the dog’s owner, says Shadow began displaying symptoms in February, and her condition quickly deteriorated. Shadow was euthanized following a nearly month-long battle with the disease.

Vets say they don’t believe the disease is contagious, yet its exact cause remains unclear. University of Wyoming researchers are exploring a theory that consumption of certain soil is to blame.

Authorities in Union County report a Creston man was arrested today (Thursday), on a Union County warrant for Violation of Probation. 35-year old Ryan Wayne Feldhacker was arrested at 12:30-a.m., at the Union County Law Enforcement Center. Feldhacker was being held without bond in the Union County Jail, pending an appearance before the magistrate.

The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office is spreading the word and asking for your help, in finding the mother and sibling of a toddler who was found abandoned in a Nebraska dumpster. Officials say on Wednesday, May 6th, at approximately 5:44-p.m. LaVista (NE) Police Officers responded to 7115 South 86th St. where an 11 month old child had been located in a dumpster.

The child was identified, and through the course of this investigation, information was obtained that this victim has a five-year-old sibling. Officers are requesting the assistance of the public in an attempt to locate this 5 year old child and the mother of the children. The mother is: Jesus Ismenia Marinero. The 5-year old child has been identified as Josue Ramirez. 

Officers are also requesting assistance in locating a vehicle in connection with this ongoing investigation. The vehicle is described as a silver 2000 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4dr., Nebraska license plate SRH941.

The Iowa Board of Respiratory Care said today (Thursday), a Malvern Respiratory Therapist has entered into a Consent Agreement with regard to inactive status. On Feb. 17th, Ronald Beres, Jr., requested his license be placed on inactive status effective immediately. His license had been set to expire on March 31st, 2016.

If Beres desires to file for reactivation of his license, he must complete an alcohol and substance abuse evaluation, and comply with any requirements set forth in the evaluation.

The board granted Beres’ request with the notation the matter is NOT considered to be a form of discipline against him.