[Jim]

Hi, Last week I posted about Jack. He was lethargic, not eating, or playing. I assumed t Heartgard and Frontline which I had given him a few days prior had made him sick. Last Tuesday he seemed better and started eating. He played a little too. Today, Saturday, he still has an appetite, but is sleeping more than usual again. I noticed the left hand side of his mouth near the jaw is really swollen. I'm very concerned because I lost an 11 year old Basset a few years to melanoma. He developed a tumor in his mouth. I'm taking Jack to the vet Monday. Jack doesn't seem to want to bark much either. Does anyone have a Basset with similar symptons (swelling near the jaw) I'm hoping it's something minor like a stuck piece of food or even an infected gum. Thanks for listening.

 

[Guest]

Wie're always happy to listen, even if we can't help. Let's hope that maybe it is a tooth problem or a bug bite or something minor. Good luck with Jack's vet appointment and please keep us posted. Prayers for Jack and snooters from Ms. Twinkie.

Janet 'n Twink

 

[Barbara Winters]

I hope Jack's just has an abcessed tooth or something minor. I had a basset with a swollen lympth gland in the neck and in turned out to be allergies. I know I was worried that it was lymphoma. Sending positive thoughts up Rt 2 and over 202 to Springfield!

Good luck at the vets Monday. Keep us posted!

 

[Jim]

Thanks for the kind thoughts and words. I'm really concerned about Jack. The web is great for information, but it can also can cause a lot of worry. I've been researching Jack's symptons and am worried that it may be his lymph nodes. I'm hoping it's just an infection or allergies like your hound, Barbra. It' swelled up even more during the day. I made him some soft food tonight, hamburger and eggs, but he was unable to eat it. I'm taking him to the vet first thing in the morning. Thanks again for your words and thoughts

 

[Guest]

Jim, Any news?

 

[Jim]

I took Jack to the vet today and the news was positive. The vet said he's 99% sure it's not cancer, but a bacterial infection. He said that this type of infection can sometimes be caused by grass that gets lodged somewhere in the mouth. The bacteria causes the abcess. (hence the tennis ball swelling on the jaw.) Jack's temperature of 104, a few degrees higher than normal, and slightly elevated white cells indicate an infection. Jack came home tonight but is going back tomorrow to have the abcess drained. I guess afterwards he'll be put on some type of anit-biotic. I'm still a little concerned about the draining and 1% chance of cancer, but am feeling much better. I tossed and turned last night thinking of the worse case scenario. I'll definetely sleep better tonight. Thanks for the concern! This is a great site for information and.support. It's great to read and hear from people who get the whole dog-human connection!

 

[Basset Momma]

Glad to hear it's positive- Keep us posted-

 

[Barbara Winters]

Thanks for the update Jim. I was thinking about you and Jack all day. It's funny that in this case a 104 degree fever is good news!

Will still keep sending positive thoughts for continued good news!

 

[Guest]

I am glad to hear good news. Good luck with the procedure. yvonne

 

[Jim]

Jack had the abcess drained and came home today. It definetely wasn't cancer, but a bacterial infection. He's happy to be home, and his Basset sister Maggie is too. jack has to take antibiotics for a couple of weeks, but other than that he can return to his normal routine. The vet tech suggested he wear a harness instead of a collar for a few days in case he pulls while on his walks. Once again I'd like to say thanks for the support. Although I'm a financially poorer today (vet bill) I'm very happy my Basset friend is home, well, and getting better!

 

[Guest]

Good news all around. That's the kind we like!

Janet 'n Twink

 

[Betsy Iole]

Glad to hear it's not tumor. Sending wishes for a speedy recovery.

 

[Barbara Winters]

Great news on Jack! Thanks for keeping us posted.