Chance is fine--woof, woof!

[DJ & Chance]

Thanks so much for your support during Chance’s recent surgery and the dreaded wait for the path report.

 

The good news is that the oral masses were not malignant.  The bad news is that they are an uncommon variant of viral papillomas.  This is infectious and can be transmitted to other dogs with immature immune systems (puppies) or dogs with compromised immune systems.

 

Chance most likely got this when he was being groomed—his last grooming corresponds with the incubation period for this virus.  He must now wait approximately two month to play with other puppies, and I will need to check his mouth carefully for new growths.  Papillomas also can grow in the throat and so I will also need to monitor for choking sounds as he eats.

 

But for now, the masses are gone and hopefully my little guy is on the mend!

 

Hugs and kisses to from Chance to all of his DK friends.

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Wow, how strange. I'm so happy he is okay, though.

[DJ & Chance]

Thanks, Jarka. He is almost back to his normal rambunctious self!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Overall this is very good news. Hopefully Chance will get no more papilloma a and by summer he will play with his buddies.

[DJ & Chance]

and resume his puppy training class . . . but overall, I am so relieved by this outcome.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm glad the growths were not malignant, and I hope he never gets another one! Feel better soon, Chance! 

[DJ & Chance]

Thanks, Karen. I'm going to do some research on what might be beneficial to immune systems of puppies.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Make sure you do your research on fact-based sites. If anyone talks about "boosting" the immune system, move on. It doesn't work that way, and in fact, with dogs like JD who have immune-mediated diseases, their immune systems are overactive and hypersensitive. "Boosting" is the last thing they need. Remember that the immune system consists of different types of cells within the circulatory system, and is not some big nebulous generalized force field, which is the impression you get from some of these websites that are trying to sell all kinds of miracle supplements and diets. :-)

[DJ & Chance]

I will look at the science.  Most likely I am already doing what I can do by feeding him a healthy diet.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Right. Limiting vaccines to only what is necessary may help as well, but the jury is still out on that.  And of course, different things stimulate or trigger different parts of the immune system. It's still quite a mystery, even to professionals in the field of immunology. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

You are DJ.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I am so happy to hear the good news about Chance. I hope he never gets another one and is running around the yard with his ears flying in no time.

[DJ & Chance]

Thanks, Laurie. I love those flying ears and the little doodle they belong to :)