CockersOnline Forum

Cocker Specific Discussion => Health => Topic started by: Jensback on November 01, 2006, 08:54:35 PM

Title: POOR MONTY
Post by: Jensback on November 01, 2006, 08:54:35 PM
I'm really sad as I write this as I've put these thoughts safely at the back of my head until I have to deal with it on Friday.  My cocker, 4 year old Monty, has a huge (the size of a golf ball and just as hard) growth on the side of his face.  It appeared last week and has grown very quickly.  We took him to the vet, who ruled out the obvious - infection, allegic reaction, sting, teeth problems, mostly because, the growth is rock hard and had grown so quickly.  Monty went in the next day for an op.  We assumed he'd get the lump cut off - and be fine.  The vet looked very worried when we went to get him.  They have no idea what this lump is - we were shown the xray and it's a mass of tissue - really big! they took a biopsy and sent it off for testing. The results are back on Friday.  The vet has told us that they cannot remove the growth because of where it is - we were willing him to tell us something positive - but he just kept telling up to wait for the results.  So that's it at the moment - Friday is the day.  Monty is quite well in himself - we are in bits.  Don't know what I'd do if anything happened to him.  Has anyone else had a similar experience?
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: Ben's mum on November 01, 2006, 08:58:47 PM
Hi,

So sorry to hear about Monty, I havn't got any experience of anything similar, but just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you and Monty, you must be so worried.

Give him a gentle hug from me and Ben, and we are keeping everything crossed for Friday for you. :luv:

Bens mum

Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: supaspaniel on November 01, 2006, 09:02:50 PM
Sorry I have no advice at all, but I do feel your anguish. Be positive and fingers crossed X

Am thinking of you
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: suzysu on November 01, 2006, 09:08:14 PM
aww so sorry to hear that (((hug))) ...got everything crossed for Friday for you and sending positive thoughts xxxxx
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: sharesy on November 01, 2006, 09:24:46 PM
I do hope you have good news on Friday
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: Joules on November 01, 2006, 09:31:37 PM
Oh, poor you.  You must be so worried.  Hope you get good news on Friday  :-\
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: LucyJ on November 01, 2006, 09:35:37 PM
There is a lab, Murdoch, in our local park who developed a huge growth on the side of his face just below his ear when he was about 1.  It came on really quickly and the owners thought the worst, but the biopsy came back negative.  They did remove the lump just in case so I guess it was in a better position that Monty's.

I'm thinking of you and Monty and hope you will get good news
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: debbie321 on November 01, 2006, 09:43:04 PM
I met a lab a couple of months ago with a very strange face.  The dog had growths on its face that were totally harmless but although previously removed, were growing back.  I think they were extra bone tissue?  The owner didn't want more surgery and the growths weren't life threatening :shades:  I hope that Monty has good news on Friday  :luv:
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: princess on November 01, 2006, 10:07:40 PM
me and elliott are thinking of you and monty we hope you get good news on friday.
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: michelle123 on November 01, 2006, 10:12:36 PM
Fingers, toes & paws crossed for positive news on Friday

 :luv:to you all
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: Michele on November 01, 2006, 10:21:10 PM
How worrying for you all Jen, I hope you get good results on Friday. Be sure to let us know asap :bigarmhug:
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: CraftySam on November 01, 2006, 10:32:45 PM
Poor Monty and poor you.  :'(

I know exactly how you are feeling, I went through a similar thing earlier this year.  Its such an agonising wait, and its very difficult not to think the worst.  :-\

At the beginning of this year, I was sat stroking Sapphi when I suddenly felt a lump on her back. The next morning I called the vets and took her in that day. It was quite a large lump, but there wasn't any obvious entry point for a foreign body to be in it. They took an aspiration of it and sent it off to the lab. We had to wait a week for the results to come back. The possibilities that were discussed were a tumor, infection, allergic recation and foreign body.
When the vet rang me I could tell in her voice something was not right. They'd not been able to get a diagnosis from the aspiration, which isn't altogether uncommon. The lab had offered to run the test again on another sample free of charge. I discussed the options with the vet and in the end we both thought removal was the best way forward. So the next day she went in and had it removed.
The lab carried out a hystology on it which was inconclusive. They think that she could possibly have had a knock, that her body has reacted to.

Sapphi, in herself, had been much quieter than normal for about six weeks. She'd just turned two and we wondered if she'd just grown up a bit and settled down. On the day of the op, I expected her to come home feeling a bit sorry for herself. My OH picked her up on the way home from work, and she came running in the house, all excited like she'd just come back from a walk in the park. I was amazed, but what was the most amazing was that she'd returned to her normal bubbly self that very same day and has remained that way.  The vet said that it must have been giving her alot of pain, to have made her so quiet for so long to return to normal the same day it was removed.

I hope that you get the good news that we did. I just wanted you to know that its not always bad news and there is still hope.

I'll be thinking of you and Monty on Friday.  Sending you positive thoughts and cocker kisses from Barney.  :-*  :-*
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: Mary on November 01, 2006, 10:42:30 PM
Hi Jen,

Wow, it's been a long time since you've been on here and what worrying news you've brought us Jen :huh:  Friday must seem like a lifetime away but everything crossed for you all that the results are ok and that this can be treated :-\

Huge hugs to Monty and to you Jen, sounds like you really need one. ;)

Mary xx



Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: MrsMac on November 01, 2006, 10:44:26 PM
I have no experience of this but I just wanted to say I hope everything goes well on Friday (((hugs))) to you and Monty
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: ladylola on November 01, 2006, 11:40:57 PM
hope you get good news on friday our thoughts are with you
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: Shazza on November 02, 2006, 09:57:27 AM
Fingers crossed for good news on Friday
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: Annette on November 02, 2006, 11:53:52 AM
How very worrying for you.

I have no experience of anything like this so can offer no advice etc, but I really am thinking of you and Monty, and hope that the results are much better than you fear. Do let us know.
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: Lumi on November 02, 2006, 11:26:50 AM
Will be thinking of you tomorrow. Hope it goes positively for you both.
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: Wendy G on November 02, 2006, 12:07:59 PM
Thinking of you waiting for the test results, hope it is good news.
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: Jensback on November 02, 2006, 12:31:11 PM
I am overwhelmed by all these kind thoughts.  Don't know why I stayed away so long!  Thank you so much.  Monty is still very bright and taking advantage of us all being extra tolerant of his cocker ways (ripped into a bin bag last night and helped himself to some left overs!!!! ::)) I went to tell him off - spotted the lump and just couldn't....which pleased him no end!!!
His appointment is Friday morning - so will update as soon as I can.  Thanks again - EVERYONE :-*
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: kate.s on November 02, 2006, 12:53:08 PM
I hope everything goes ok for you and Monty tomorrow. We've got fingers and paws crossed for good news
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: Nicola on November 02, 2006, 05:06:43 PM
Welcome back to COL

All fingers and paws crossed here that it's good news for you and Monty tomorrow  :-* :-*

Glad to hear that his cocker cheekiness hasn't been affected though!  :005:
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: *Jay* on November 02, 2006, 05:38:38 PM
Hope all goes well tomorrow
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: Silver Surfer (indiesnan) on November 02, 2006, 05:55:15 PM
Thinking of you and Monty tomorrow and hope it's good news.


We had a similar thing happen with Nell my Lab earlier this  year, an enormous lump appeared under her throat which was massive and rock hard, she also had one  on her face.

The vet took biopsies and it turned out to be a infection caused by a foreign body.

Fingers crossed that it's good news on Friday.
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: JaspersMum on November 02, 2006, 06:24:58 PM
Wishing you all the best for tomorrow, will be checking in tomorrow to hear.
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: Joelf on November 02, 2006, 06:26:53 PM
I'm so sorry to read about Monty's lump & really hope you get good news from the vet tomorrow.

I understand the worry you're going through as one of my labs developed a lump on the side of his face which had spread from his soft palette & was therefore inoperable.

Thinking of you & Montyx.
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: Jeeves on November 02, 2006, 06:28:51 PM
It's amazing what they suddenly get away with when they're poorly!!

Parker has been getting away with absolute murder for the last few weeks!!

Fingers crossed for you and Monty tomorrow.
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: Jensback on November 03, 2006, 01:06:41 PM
We took Monts to the vet and we were told that the results weren't in yet (thinks they'll be in on Tuesday) But I am thrilled to say that this time, after examining Monty he was a lot more positive.  The lump has got smaller (I had thought this, but banished the thought as just wishful thinking, if you know what I mean!)  He said that if it were a tumour, it's "unlikely it would have reduced in size" - and that he is "more optimistic than post op". So - though we are still not sure, I feel a glimmer of hope. Monty is fine in himself - hogging more than usual because of the medication (didn't think Monty could ever be hungrier than he usually is...but he is!!!) - So - keep 'em crosed and I'll reinform you all on Tuesday.  I feel like cheering! :lol:
BTW - thanks again for your support - priceless! :blink:
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: Michele on November 03, 2006, 01:20:48 PM
Great to hear positive comments from your vet Jen, here's hoping for the very best outcome for Monty. At least you may be able to relax a bit and enjoy your weekend.:003:
Be sure to let us know on Tuesday  ;)

Michele x
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: Joelf on November 03, 2006, 02:21:30 PM
I'm really pleased to read your last post,Jen, as the fact that the tumour appears to be getting smaller is very positive.

I didn't want to go into details when you first posted as you were obviously very worried & the last thing you needed was a Job's comforter but my labs tumour was actually a fibrosarcoma which was malignant & far from getting smaller it grew huge very quickly & eventually got to the stage when we had to have him PTS. :'(

Once again I'm really glad that Monty's outlook is so good & I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you for the results on Tuesday. ;)

Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: Wendy G on November 03, 2006, 02:44:09 PM
Good news,things seem more optomistic now
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: Mary on November 03, 2006, 03:55:21 PM
That is a positive sign Jen, fingers crossed for Tuesday now and in the meantime let's hope it continues to reduce in size ;)
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: Annette on November 03, 2006, 04:28:37 PM
That sounds hopeful.

Will still be thinking of you next week, I am sure you are still anxious about it all. I would be!

Hugs to the hogging Monty!
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: supaspaniel on November 06, 2006, 08:43:17 AM
 :blink: fingers crossed its all good then :blink:

  Monty is still very bright and taking advantage of us all being extra tolerant of his cocker ways (ripped into a bin bag last night and helped himself to some left overs!!!! ::)) I went to tell him off - spotted the lump and just couldn't....which pleased him no end!!!
Its funny when they have the bin out..well not...but their reaction is, they must just go thru it and then look at it and think uh oh! G & L rush out of the door as if to say it wasn't me!
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: Mary on November 07, 2006, 03:16:20 PM
Any news yet Jen? :-\
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: subeeloo on November 07, 2006, 06:01:47 PM
...(((cockerhugs))) from me and Sammy, we've had a bit of a turn too.....thinking of you, hope you had good news today ;)
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: sniffsniff on November 08, 2006, 10:09:24 AM
Any news? Hope that no news is good news.

Thinking of you ((hugs))
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: Michele on November 08, 2006, 05:11:16 PM
Jen, what's happening :dunno:
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: Jensback on November 08, 2006, 08:39:56 PM
First of all - sorry for the delay in the update - the results weren't back at the end of yesterday - then I was off work today with a stonking migraine  :'((stress I think!) Anyway - I am THRILLED to say that, it's very good news.  The lab results were that it is NOT a tumour and is a nasty infection - original cause unknown - but it went bad - hence the big lump.  He's on antibiotics now - and the vet wants to have a look at him again next week.   :blink: We are all relieved beyond belief - I feel like a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders.  We don't know how he got this infection - or if he'll get it again - but at least it won't scare me as much as this has!  As for Monty, well he  is just enjoying the extra fuss and the fact he had sausages for tea!
THANKS AGAIN for all you support.  Thank G 4 a happy ending to this saga! 
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: Wendy G on November 08, 2006, 08:43:43 PM
Thats great to hear
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: *Jay* on November 08, 2006, 08:45:16 PM
Thank goodness it was good news - and what a relief for you
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: *jean* on November 08, 2006, 08:47:15 PM
fantastic news... give him a big cuddle from all of us here on col. :luv:
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: Joelf on November 08, 2006, 08:49:18 PM
Great news,Jen; I'm so pleased for you. ;)
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: Mary on November 08, 2006, 08:49:42 PM
Brillaint news Jen (except for the migraine ph34r). :shades:

When Lottie was a puppy she had a lump appear on her upper lip that grew very quickly but didn't get to golf ball size luckily.  I think it was due to an infection due to a swipe round the face by a friends cat.   The vet wasn't sure, he was just relieved (as we were) that once on antibiotics it shrank as quickly as it came up ;)

If that migraine has gone I'd go and pour yourself a celebratory drink :shades:
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: kate.s on November 08, 2006, 08:54:18 PM
That's great news, I'm sooo pleased for you.

So is Monty on kibble for tea tomorrow?

Sending loads of  >:D
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: scooby's mum on November 08, 2006, 09:00:23 PM
Thank goodness, what a relief, that's fantastic news  :D

Can't imagine what you've been through this past week, give Monty a gentle kiss from me  :luv:

Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: sharesy on November 08, 2006, 09:52:57 PM
Good news. So pleased for you.
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: allym on November 08, 2006, 09:57:17 PM
Whew! What a relief! Well done Monty! :luv:
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: LoveCatz on November 08, 2006, 09:59:12 PM
Brilliant news  :D
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: supaspaniel on November 08, 2006, 10:12:19 PM
 :D Thank goodness....I think we were all getting a bit worried there ;) I know I was ::)
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: miche on November 08, 2006, 10:19:05 PM
My goodness just caught up with this thread, what a terrible worry you've had!!

I am so glad that all is OK, you must be so relieved.
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: Michele on November 08, 2006, 10:36:13 PM
Brilliant news Jen, I am so relieved for you :clapping:

Now don't you go disappearing on us again Mrs, just because you've got him sorted  ;)  :005:
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: sniffsniff on November 08, 2006, 10:53:29 PM
:D Thank goodness....I think we were all getting a bit worried there ;) I know I was ::)

Yes, I was getting worried too. Thank goodness it was good news & here's to a speedy recovery Monty!
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: MrsMac on November 08, 2006, 11:09:45 PM
Excellent news  ;)
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: subeeloo on November 08, 2006, 11:14:08 PM
Fantastic!! :-* from me and Sammy :-*
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: ladylola on November 08, 2006, 11:35:18 PM
glad he's gonna be ok  :-* :-*
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: Joules on November 09, 2006, 07:13:51 AM
Fantastic news!  :D
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: Silver Surfer (indiesnan) on November 09, 2006, 09:12:58 AM
What fantastic news  :D
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: Jensback on November 12, 2006, 05:10:54 PM
Brilliant news Jen, I am so relieved for you :clapping:

Now don't you go disappearing on us again Mrs, just because you've got him sorted  ;)  :005:

No No No! of course not - I've enjoyed catching up with you all :D.  Mind you - I have to fight for my turn on the computer these days as my OH workis from home and all three kids are MSN mad >:( - hence, I am last on the list....so can't be as much a reg as I was in my earlier days...... but I will be looking in as and when I can...promise :angel:
Yep        -  It was indeed an awful week - but with a happy ending.  I'm just back from a walk in Monty's fav park and he was bounding around like a nutter (normal for him! ::)) - he looked the picture of health.
Hopefully see you all soon in a happier link!
Jen & Monts xx
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: Michele on November 12, 2006, 05:47:24 PM
Know what you mean about the computer, I've only got Chloe at home now but that's bad enough  ::)

Good to hear Monty is near back to normal, he's looking good in your avatar by the way :003:
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: Gilly on November 13, 2006, 08:06:22 PM
Jen so sorry I missed this  ;) Glad to hear Monty is OK and a big welcome back to the board  :D :D
Title: Re: POOR MONTY
Post by: Loraine on November 13, 2006, 08:31:20 PM
Hey Jen

Sorry so late but thought I'd add my comments anyway.  Pleased to hear from you and even more pleased to hear that Monty is ok.  :blink:  I can't believe that our dogs are 4 already - just seems like yesterday that we got them!   :o

Take care
Lo x