Montana – Bakersfield, CA
ESRA Special Needs Springer
ESRA #2007-1070CA
Age: 3 years
Gender: Male
Color: Liver/White
Weight: 50 lbs
Variety: Bench/Show-bred
Montana came into rescue from a shelter in the California high desert. Little is known about his first year of life. Shortly after being in his foster home he had several nose bleeds, but we didn't think too much about it as he had stumbled off the truck and we thought he hit his nose.
A few weeks later he came down with kennel cough, and after his treatment was over, he again had more nose bleeds. Again we thought it might be just the end of the kennel cough.
Montana was adopted out, and was returned the next day because he again had a severe nose bleed. The next day, his foster parents took him to the vet for x-rays, blood, and culture tests. After a week of waiting, all tests came back normal, so it was decided we would just watch for any more nose bleeds.
February 15, 2008: After 2 weeks he had another nose bleed and woke up with a swollen eye. He was rushed to
the vet in Bakersfield , who arranged for a specialist to see him in Ventura the next day. On Friday night he was driven to
the Veterinary Medical Surgical Group Hospital in Ventura, CA, because he seemed to be getting worse.
On Saturday he saw the internist, and she felt that he had nasal Aspergillosis, a fungal infection. To be certain he needed to have a CT scan and a rhinoscope procedure.
Montana was released on Saturday night with antibiotics and pain medication, but would return on Monday for the tests.
Feb. 18, 2008: Montana was back at the specialist's hospital for his tests, and it was confirmed that he indeed had a fungal infection, but fortunately it had not traveled to the brain. This was the cause of his swollen eye too. The next step was to remove the fungus.
Feb. 19,
2008: On Tuesday he went into surgery where they made small incisions in the sinus and inserted tubes where they
removed a tremendous amount of yellow bloody stuff. Then they flushed the sinus area out, and put in anti-fungal
treatment.
Feb. 20, 2008: Montana came home today, but for the next two weeks he will continue with regular treatments of the antifungal medicine. He also is taking three kinds of antibiotics. Additional cultures and a bone biopsy were done, but those results won't be back for at least 2 weeks.
It was determined that he had this condition for some time, and it is due to his immune system being very low and unable to fight off this infection. His condition is like an auto-immune disease. He can fully recover, but will need to be checked periodically in his future.
Mar. 11, 2008: Montana completed his treatments on Friday. He will be getting his tubes out tomorrow. Culture confirmed that he had Aspergillosis. He is now on pill meds. We will know more after his vet visit tomorrow. Results from bone biopsy and other test they did when the tubes were put in. I will let you know what we find out tomorrow. Montana is feeling a lot better. Out chasing a big old cat out of his yard this evening. Collar just flapping in the wind as he ran. He does not like cats.
Mar. 25, 2008: On March 11, 2008 the tubes were removed the Montana had to have for his 2 weeks of treatments. They came right out. He is on meds still and will probably have to take them for the rest of his life. There is no sure cure for this fungus. He will need a blood test every 4 months to make sure his liver is doing ok with the meds. The doctors said this was one of the worst cases they had seen. Just have to watch for the signs. That's the bad part there aren't signs until it has a good hold on him, sneezing, snotty nose with blood in it and of course the bloody noses. There is the testing again that could be done to see if the fungus has returned, CT, Rhinoscope etc. that would be the only way for an early detection for the fungus.
We have less sneezing now
that the treatments are over and there is no runny nose. During treatment we had a mess everyday. Thank goodness for the
e-collar. It caught all the snot and yuck that was coming out of his nose. By having 2 collars we were able to change them to
keep everything clean.
Montana appreciates all the help he can get to help cover his medical expenses, and sends wet sloppy kisses to everyone!
Update 04 JUL 08: Montana has had a setback in his fight with his nasal fungus, Aspergillosis. He has had swelling around the eye that comes and goes. Last week it came back so the vet took a sample of the fluid for a culture. They recommended that we take he back to Ventura to the specialist for an evaluation and of course the swelling was gone so there was nothing for them to check. After looking at all tests our local vet had done they stated if the fungus was to come back they would recommend another surgery. If there is no surgery they gave him 3-6 months.
After doing some research and speaking to another ESRA member we have decided to go a different route to help Montana heal his body. Montana has a Holistic vet that we are working with to help his body heal itself along with the pharmaceutical meds he takes for the fungus.
You would never guess by looking at Montana that he has anything wrong with him. He loves chasing squirrels, catching gophers that he plays to death, trying to dig the lizards out from under the shed, and his latest encounter is with Godfree the skunk. Godfree has lived near us for years, and of course the skunk won. I don't think Montana will be bothering him any time soon. (We call the skunk Godfree because he is so free with his smell.)
We hope this is a short set back and that Montana will be on the road to recovery real soon.
Update 03 SEP 08: Montana has been taking his Holistic treatments for two months. We seem to be having some success, as he usually has swelling around the left eye every two weeks. It has been almost two and a half months sense he last had any swelling. He takes seven different meds, five of them three times a day, and twice a week he gets injections. Only one set of pills (six) he takes freely, all others we stick down his throat. In the morning there are twelve pills and two liquids, midday two liquids and evening two liquids and a pill. We have tried pill pockets, cheese, bread, you name it to hide the pills in, and he still finds them and spits them out. When he sees me coming the look on his face is "Oh no, not again Mom…"
With all that has been done to this little man, he is true Spaniel! Nothing bothers him. He takes everything in stride. He has a long way to go still in hopes to beat this fungus. We are taking it one step at a time, and a day at a time. Everyday there isn't swelling and pain in that eye area, I feel we are making progress. We do have our set backs with the snotty nose every now and than, but I think that has to do with the cleansing he is going through with the detox. He has a weak immune system, and that is the reasons the fungus was able to take control. One of the meds he takes is helping to strengthen that system. We want to thank all of you that have Montana in your thoughts and prayers, and have helped to support him by giving donations to ESRA on his behalf.
Update 14 DEC 08: Montana is still fighting his fungus. He started having discharge again so he has gone through two additional procedures that were more intense. These will be the last procedure. The lining between the sinus and brain is very thin because it has been eaten away by the fungus. We took a chance with the last procedure that the lining wouldn't rupture during the treatment. Now we are waiting to see if this treatment has killed the fungus. In about two months he will have another Rhinoscope that will tell if the fungus has returned. With all he has been through he is still a Spaniel, full of life and adventure.
Update 21 March 09: Montana continues to struggle with his fungus. We have strarted him on a new treatment. He gets a sinus wash about every two weeks. He has had 6 weeks of these treatments and we are now on a wait and see if this worked. If he can stay fungus free for 6 months he might have a chance at life. The longest he has gone is 3 months and the fungus was back. It was so bad that the vet couldn't see the sinus tissue, only the fungus. Montana has been fighting this fungus for a year now. It is hard to believe we have been in and out of animal hospitals and vet offices for a year. We have taken him off all med as nothing is working. One of the medications he was taking could damage his liver. Now when he sees me coming he knows he is going to get a head rub not a mouthful of pills or a injection.
Montana runs, plays, chases birds and squirrels, you would never guess that he is sick. We watch for sneezing that is usually the first sign of the fungus. At this time Montana is not available for adoption. Please keep Montana in your thoughts and prayers.
Update 04 May 09: Montana had a check up and procedure on Friday, May 1. Doug and I got to be with him while he went through the procedure. I was holding his head telling him I was right there and he would be all right when they gave him the sedation. We got to look in the scope and see the small spot of fungus that had started growing. I am so glad we know what signs to watch for so we can get him into the vet to get a treatment. The vet was pleased that it had been three and a half months and this time the fungus was just a spot. Four and a half months ago it was covering the inside of the sinus cavity. I think that Montana's immune system is starting to win the fight against the fungus. At least that is what we are hoping after this vet visit.
UPDATE AUGUST 24, 2009 FROM MONTANA'S MOM — er, I mean HIS FOSTER MOM: Montana has been adopted! He has been doing so well — it has been over three months since his last treatment and there are no signs of the return of the fungus, so we have decided it is time for him to go to his Forever Home! I can't believe that he will have been with us two years as of December 28. As I was coming to the hard decision to let Montana go — with all that we have been through with him, the ups and downs of this nasty fungus — we knew we had to do what we felt was best for him and not think about how our hearts would break.
Therefore we feel we have been very fortunate in finding him a good home where his Momma and Dad will watch for all the signs as they are very familiar with this type of fungus. His Forever Family has many grandchildren who love him already and he has a ball playing with them and giving lots of sloppy kisses. So the decision was obvious! Yes, Montana is well loved and he will be staying with us. The Hawleys have failed fostering 101. I think Montana's big sister Sammie would be lost without him — she would be as heartbroken as we would be if we let him go. So we are now the proud parents of our Tanna Boy, Montana. He is in his Forever Home! And our thanks to all of you for your support and good wishes!
Contact: Yvonne Hawley Vonnieh50@aol.com
CLICK HERE IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPONSOR MONTANA
| MONTANA’S GENEROUS SPONSORS TO DATE: | |
|---|---|
 Shelley Dearmin |
Montana, I feel your pain! I know all about nasty sinus stuff! Get well soon! |
| Carol J Franz |
In memory of Gunnar. I wish the dog a very loving home and good health. |
| Kathleen Engberg |
In memory of Lola, Hailey, and Buddy. |
| Janet Storey |
In memory of Nutmeg, our first Springer Spaniel, and in honor of Monte, our second Springer Spaniel, who was rescued from the Bozeman, Montana shelter. Get well soon, Montana! May you find your Forever Home that will love you! |
| Kristen Shelton |
In memory of Hunter. |
| Renee Villanueva |
In memory of Sammy. We miss you boy. Hugs and Kisses to you Montana! You're a brave, beautiful boy! |
| Karl and Linda Lintz |
Get well soon Montana. We Love YOU, and would like to give a special thanks to your foster parents. Kisses and hugs from us and our pooches too! |
| Elizabeth Marshall |
In memory of Rusty and Millie. |
| Pomela Flanigan |
In honor of our beautiful new Springer, Duchess Daisy Flanigan. |
| Martin Cole |
In memory of our Heartbeat, Maggie Mae. |
| Monica and Ray Smith |
Hope you'll be sniffing for squirrels again soon. Good luck! Bailey, Chance, and Benji Smith. |
| Angie Smith & Brad Avery |
In memory of Ginger, and our love for our little Springer Sadie!! |
| Tom Lease |
In memory of Frannie and Buster. |
| Janice Waller |
In memory of Buster and Frannie, Katie and Murphy. |
| Rhonda and Dave Norman |
In memory of Dakota and Jacob. |
| Lee and Loretta Davis |
In memory of Sparky and Freckles. |
| Deena Kanoff |
For my angel Spaniels, Chloe and Molly. |
| Polly Baird |
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| Pamela Heredia |
A gift for Millie, who was also rescued from Bakersfield. |
| Kim and Tom Reath |
In memory of LC, Zeke, and Ryan. We hope you are soon better, Montana. Every Springer deserves a waggy tail lifetime of joy. |
| Brone M Spann |
In memory of Sam, my first Springer. |
| Susie Salmon |
To Montana, from Amber Lisa Salmon's family. We have sinus problems, too, so we hope you get better very soon! |
| Michele A. DeBiasse |
In memory of Molly Keane and her beloved dog Bo. |
| Bob Knell |
In memory of Samantha, Joshua, Rose, Brady, and Abigail. |
| Judie Lemsky |
In honor of Millie Christopher, who is always there when you need her. |
| Yvette Worman |
In memory of Jesse Girl, my best friend. I miss you. |
| Yvonne and Doug Hawley |
In memory of Cooper. Love Mom, Dad, and Sammie Lou. |
| Karman Williams |
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| Carla Meyer and Chuck Arnold |
In memory of Jasmine, the most astonishing rescue girl ever!! |
| Ray and Nancy Norman |
In memory of The Boys - Dakota and Jake. |
| Tanya Mitchell |
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| MaryElle Hoover |
In memory of Kulea and MacDuff, the sweetest doggies. My friend and I donated money to you for my 11th birthday. Montana, we hope you get better soon!. |
| Parker Harms and Jeff Wright |
In memory of Shanti, Scruffy, Bandit, Bella, Rambo, Dc, Junior and all. To a brave and spirited little guy; get well soon so you can chase more cats! |
| Cindy Brassfield |
In memory of my rescue boy, Sage, who passed away on January 30, 2008. |
| Dianne and Mike Shanley |
In memory of the beautiful Miss BB who will be missed by Silvie, Herb, Mulligan, and their friends. |
| Karman Williams |
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| Cathryne Slaughter |
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| Tamara L. Kamieneski |
In eternal gratitude for my precious, life-changing Springers, Scholar and Oxford. I am SO blessed!!! |
| Karman and Eric Williams |
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| Wendy Brown |
In memory of Tyson Boo. |
| Jamie and Ed Balazs |
To honor Pamela George. Thanks for all you do! |
| William Lies |
In memory of Brandy and Shakespeare. You brought so very much into our lives. We will see you again at Rainbow Bridge. |
| Eduardo Meza |
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| Jill Howard |
In memory of Finian, Poco, Wylie, Blitzen, and Uncle Davis, who really did love his dogs. |
| Karman and Eric Williams |
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| Vicki Roenspiess |
In honor of JulieJan, who rescued ME in 2001. Bless you, Montana, and those who have worked hard to take such good care of you. |
| Kathryn Allen |
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| Bob Knell |
In memory of Samantha, Joshua, Rose, and Brady |
| Melinda Bustamante |
In memory of Jessie, our beloved Springer girl of 9 years |
| Jeffrey S. Smith |
In memory of Dunhill |
| Rob Hoff and Andrea Fontenot |
In memory of our beloved friends Nana, Ruby, and Max |
| Larry R. Hixon |
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| Denny and Corinne Cossette |
In memory of Beaumont who had a wonderful home with Bruce and Rebecca Oishi and will be fondly remembered. We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Beaumont. |
| Suzanne Knight |
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| Rhonda Groves |
In memory of Sadie and Tempe. Thanks ESRA for all you do! |
| Wayne and Mary Gilbert |
In memory of Kenosha, Pesto and Jessica, three great Springers who would want Montana to be helped during his recovery time. |
| Larry R. Hixon |
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| Thomas and Michele Speck |
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| Tammie Beltrand |
In memory of Skylar and Savannah |
| Andrea Dangerfield |
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| Pamela Langley |
In memory of Phoebe and to honor the dedication of Kathy Armstrong and Heather Fall to the work of ESRA in the Pacific Northwest. |
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