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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 C-T 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!

Contact Karen Barone kateee@verizon.net

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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
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
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
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 30th, 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
Cathryne Slaughter
Tamara L. Kamieneski	In eternal gratitude for my precious, life-changing Springers, Scholar and Oxford.  I am SO blessed!!!