Chronic Ear Problems in Cockers

[MacTavish Boys]

Sending over lots of healing and positive thoughts for Jack 
Stephanie, George and Hamish xxx

[DeniseS]

Thank you all so much for your very kind words and support. x

I'm terribly sorry to have to tell you, that Jack should have had his anal glands removed, but the surgeon discovered the cancer had already spread, to his lymph glands and possibly lungs and liver. Further tests are being done, but as the prognosis looked so bleak, it was decided not to remove the anal glands, for fear of accelerating the spread of cancer cells. The only good news, is that it's predicted I will have my boy for anything up to a year, but who can really say. Needless to say, my family and I are devastated, but as you have all been so wonderful, I wanted to share the latest development.

All I can say, is that Jack will have the best time ever from here on in and I won't let him suffer. At the moment, he's leaner and fitter than he's ever been. His tail never stops wagging. We'll share his last journey together.

Thanks for listening to me. xxx

[Mudmagnets]

So sorry to read this, what a terrible shock for you all.

Wishing Jack and yourselves as least stress as possible and sending a couple of 

[Countrygirl]

I am so sorry that you have had this news.  Wishing you and Jack as long as possible together.

[MIN]

so sorry to hear this, wishing Jack and you the best of times together

[JennyBee]

So incredibly sad, my thoughts are with you both and I hope you have many happy times ahead with your lovely boy .

Sending hugs

[DeniseS]

Thank you all for your kind thoughts and hugs for Jack. x

Well, this has been the most terrible two months for us. On New Years Eve my 16 year old cat suffered a stroke and was put to sleep. 

Last week, my Vet asked me to make an appointment to be given the results of the tests they'd done on Jack's lungs and liver. All clear! You can imagine how delighted I was. However, at the same time he gave my poor boy an internal and everything changed. His affected anal gland is now the size of a walnut and the lymph glands are badly swollen too. I was told to bring him back immediately if he started passing "ribbon-like," stools. The following day he didn't pass much, but lo and behold the day after, he passed one. I decided to wait a day, in case the internal had triggered the swelling and by the third day, he was passing healthy, good-sized stools.

The Vet has now said that we may be looking at a few months left for Jack. Originally, it was up to a year!  He's still wagging his tail for Britain, has plenty of energy and it's so hard to believe he's so gravely ill. I have to take him back for another internal in a month, but I'm really unsure about it. It was so painful for him and took over two days for him to recover. He screamed in the surgery. I never question a Vet's treatment and wonder if I should ignore my instincts and do as instructed. Has anyone had this problem? Every day I have with Jack means so much and I hate to think of him losing any precious pain-free time he has left. It's not as if they can do anything more for him.

Hope you don't mind me visiting again.

[JennyBee]

Am very sorry to hear about your cat .

It's a tricky decision and one I'm sorry you have to make . My aunt went ahead with treatment (full treatment, not an internal), and I know she regretted it, mostly as the cancer spread much, much faster than even the specialist was expecting. I guess it's weighing up Jack's quality of life with one or two days of discomfort - will it make much difference to him or make him more comfortable than he is. I hope others can advise you here.

Sending more hugs, I'm really sorry you are going through this with Jack

[Mudmagnets]

Sorry to read the news of your cat, losing any loved animal comes extremely hard. What a terrible time you are having.

Wishing you as many months as possible with Jack, and I'm sure others will agree with me, come and visit the site whenever you want, there is usually someone about.

[Countrygirl]

I am so sorry to hear the sad news about your cat.

Really hope the months stretch and stretch into a lengthy time for Jack.

Thinking of you both.

[DeniseS]

Thank you all for your kind thoughts. x

I haven't been able to visit before, because I've been so busy tending to Jack's needs and giving him the best times possible. We visited the Vets yesterday for his three weekly check and I'm pleased to say that his weight is stable. That's a relief. He's still wagging his tail constantly and enjoying life, with no apparent sign of any pain. His daily dose of Loxicom and antibiotics seem to be working and keeping his ear problems to the minimum at the same time.

The only problem I have, is that he's started to leak from his anal glands and it's proving a nightmare. I change all his bedding and disinfect anywhere he sits, or lies, twice a day, or as needed and I was wondering if anyone could recommend some sort of nappy that is comfortable and efficient, please? I know they can be expensive, which is becoming a problem for us, but I'd like to try and buy the best and most suitable for him. I'd welcome any advice. Thank you. xx

[its.sme]

These look good,

http://www.equafleece.co.uk/store/dog_shorts.html

We use the jumpers etc so I would imagine they are comfortable.

Should still be able to wag his tail

[Countrygirl]

Bless him, hope his tail is wagging for a long long time yet.

[DeniseS]

Thank you its.me for the link. I've done a little more internet searching, but so far this seems to be the most suitable nappy for Jack and unless anything else comes along, I'll certainly give it a try. x

Thanks too to CountryGirl. Mr Jack Waggy Tail sends you his love and hugs. 

[8 Hairy Feet]

Sending you all hugs 
and me and Ellie are sending a kiss each
for your special lad Jack
  and