thommomac

Thanks sparky, he is on anti biotics and anti inflamms, swelling is going down but hard lump still big as ever. Test results are back tomorrow so fingers crossed it's just an infection! Nervous!

Thanks for the replies, support and advice. We took him to emergency vet early this morning. They shaved him and took a small sample and put him on IV antibiotics and and anti inflammatories. They're not really sure what it is still (could be grass seed, saliva, a bite, a haematoma (spelling?!) or even cancer - at which point I was in tears). They said to see what it is they would need to operate (at great cost at emergency vet) and suggested that we take him home, keep a close eye on him and keep giving him antibiotics, anti inflams and keep him quiet with no pressure on his neck. There seemed to be no danger to his breathing but they said if he swelled up any more to bring him back. Otherwise, just take him into our regular vet first thing Monday morning and they can reassess and then operate and investigate further (or perhaps it might have gone down by then). He also now has this huge red lump on his lip - it was there at emergency vet, but has probably doubled in size since this morning (we did point it out to vet). This is worrying me. But, his original lumps and swelling have reduced (since going to vet) so that makes me feel better. I'm quite stressed, and for once Monday morning can't come soon enough! Fingers crossed that this is just an infection and goes down even further overnight. Thanks again

Hi all Last night we noticed a reasonable sized lump (like a marble, maybe a little bigger) on our french bulldog (18 months old) neck. We tried to get into the vet today, but there were no appointments. He didn't seem to be in any pain (even when we touched lump), he's still eating and running around like his usual crazy self so they said to bring him in tomorrow. I've been stressing all day. Husband came home tonight and it had got to the size of a golf ball. Since we are going to the vet first thing, we thought it would be ok to wait. I've been keeping an eye on him and in the last few hours the lump has doubled in size, now very noticable and spread under his whole chin. Dr google (I know, bad idea) keeps bringing up lymphoma. But surely it couldn't grow that fast? It's 1am and I know it's ridiculous, but just hoping someone on here might have a similar story with a simple(ish) result. I'm contemplating driving him to the emergency vet now, but I should probably wait till later in the morning. He still seems happy as larry (is trying to play right now) and not in any great pain. Hoping to hear someone has had a similar experience and it's been resolved..and hoping this might help me to decide whether to drive to emergency vet now or wait till first thing tomorrow morning? Thanks

Hi Poochiemama I have only read the start of your thread (it got a bit full on for me) but I just wanted to say hope you and your pooch are going ok and offer my sympathy to you both. I have a 10 month old Frenchie who was recently attacked in an off lead park. Although I'm scared to say it in here, I didn't realize the dangers of off lead parks. We had taught our boy to recall in a quiet park away from other dogs and once he had the recall down we went to a few different local off leash parks and played with other dogs regularly. We thought we were doing the right thing since so much emphasis was placed on socialisation. We met some lovely people and began meeting with them and their dogs on a regular basis. Then one morning a strange dog ran into the park off leash with the walker far behind. He attacked our pup (unprovoked - seriously) and the other dogs in. Sid had his stomach ripped open, surgery and a drain. It took almost a month to recover. One of our biggest concerns was for the psychological impact. We took him to see a dog trainer (who he did his obedience with) and practiced introducing him to new dogs etc. Luckily he was always a very confident outgoing pup and he actually has been almost fine. He has had a couple of nervous moments but we are very aware of his body language and of keeping calm ourselves. We have slowly built up to going back to the dog parks (but only in very quiet times and to meet dogs we know). We started with walks on lead and introducing him on lead to dogs he knows and then moved to letting him off lead when he was on his own in an off lead park. He is definitely a little more cautious these days but overall still very happy, bouncy, social and confident. So far we haven't seen him react fearfully to anything (though the dog trainer says we have to keep an eye on it as it's hard to know what might trigger his memories of the attack). Anyway, I'm probably rambling on, but just wanted to let you know that I know how hard it is, how upsetting it is and how stressful. And I wanted to let you know that we have been through a similar situation and have finally (touch wood) come out the other side with a happy and well adjusted pup. I really feel for you as it's hard but try and stay calm and take things slow. In my very humble opinion the best thing you can do is be aware of your dog's body language and take things slowly and let it guide you. I'm not one of these dog gurus but I hope it gives you some comfort knowing someone else has been through similar and understands. Take care and cuddles to you and pooch.

Hey Megan We take Sid to Princes Park (North Carlton), Edinborough Gardens (Fitzroy North) and Fleming Park (Brunwick East). This happened at Fleming Park. I'd love to know your thoughts on the great off leash parks in Melbourne? Thanks

Hi everyone Thank you so much for all the supportive and helpful replies, it has really helped us. We have reported the attack to the council and the local ranger is investigating. The person who was walking the dog is very angry at us for reporting it, which made my blood boil as it just shows she has no idea how serious it is and it has reinforced we are doing the right thing. I can't believe how many of you have had similar experiences, it's quite scary, I had never heard of this happening to anyone else before. We are going to give our trainer who we did obedience with a call to organize some sessions and talk through how we can help Sid recover psychologically and we'll follow her advice. As many of you pointed out, a huge part of it is going to be us being able to relax and not make it a big deal for him. He is very jumpy at the moment and barking alot which he has never done before. So sad. Physically he is slowly getting better, he's very up and down, obviously still in quite a bit of pain and only wants to lie on my lap and have cuddles. he was already a bit spoilt so I have to watch it and not smother him, it's so hard when I look into those innocent brown eyes and think that we nearly lost him. I only wish we had understood how dangerous off lead parks could be - I now realize how naiive I was to think that because we knew everyone and their dogs it was ok. I thought we were doing the right thing socialising him and he seemed to have such a good time. Unless our dog trainer has strong advice to the contrary I think we will only let him play with other small dogs that we know and no more off lead parks with other dogs. Thanks also to the lovely frenchie thread for their support and offers of help (KK09). Thanks so much again and hugs to all your lovely dogs. Sid says thanks and sends big puppy licks!

thanks so much for the responses, it's reassuring to hear that other people have been through similar and their dog's have been ok. We have actually just finished an obedience course (ironically Sid was one of the dogs she used to help some of the dogs with anxiety issues), I was thinking I might call the trainer and ask if she had any other sessions or if she could help with a re introduction to dogs. I know that my husband and I are going to be the biggest issue, it's just so hard when we nearly lost him not to panic that it might happen again or to trust even a dog we know given that the staffy turned. Yes, you are all right, I think we need to call the trainer.

Hi there Not sure if this is the right area to post, I haven't been on here for a while. I have a beautiful 8 month old French Bulldog Sid (picture attached). He's an absolute delight and we have spent a lot of time socialising him and training him. He is the most friendly, confident and happy little pup and plays very well with other dogs. My husband had him playing at our off lead park with a group of dogs he has played with since he was first old enough to go to the park the other morning. A strange dog approached (a mastiff cross) and attacked our poor little Sid (sid was playing with a stick with a staffy which they often do). Once the mastiff had Sid pinned to the ground the other dogs (including the staffy he always plays with) joined in the attack. The other people and my husband managed to get them off Sid (my husbands jeans ripped to shreds). he rushed Sid straight to the vet and Sid had surgery once they were able to get his vital signs regulated. Two days later and Sid is recovering, all his stomach was ripped, he had 3 hernias and a bruised spleen. It's all been stitched up and he still has a drain in as well as stitches around his face and chin. He's a lot better but there is still the concern of infection as the dog's teeth went right through the abdominal cavity. And after that a long road to recovery - how we will keep him still and quiet for 3 weeks is a big question, but we'll deal with that when we get to it. I'm just so relieved he made it, my poor little baby. I have a few questions for those who have been unfortunate to go through a terrible experience like this, I'm hoping someone can give advice: - did you report the attack to the ranger? The person walking the dog has been calling to offer to help with the bills (almost $3k to date) but they also say they are unemployed, so I don't know whether to insist they help with bills? I'm more concerned with making sure the dog is never off the lead again. This person seems to think the dog was just playing but my husband (and Sid's injuries) tell a different story. - did your puppy become timid and /or agressive after the attack? - How do you go about re introducing the puppy to dogs? And how can I ever let Sid off the leash to play at a dog park again? Or should I just never let him play at a dog park again? - Do I ever let him see the staffy that was his regular playmate but who turned on him once the mastiff started attacking? I'm sorry this is so long, it's just been such a traumatic few days and I can't imagine how scared Sid has been. I just want to make sure I can restore his confidence and get him back to the happy outgoing little dog he was (if that's even possible). Really appreciate any advice. thanks

Hi there, We have a lovely 16 week old Frenchie named Sid. He's doing really well with his toilet training - until it starts raining! When it's raining he will go outside and then get really distressed, come in and wee on the floor. And once that happens he goes right back to peeing and pooping inside. Even when we see the signs he wants to go (or after sleep, food etc) and we take him out, he'll hold it till he gets inside again. My husband just spent 20 minutes out there with him in the rain yet he wouldn't go, but of course the minute he came in he did it on the floor. And yes, we've tried making going in the rain normal and fun by taking out toys, treats etc. It doesn't seem to be the rain that is upsetting him, more the feeling of water under his feet (which is also odd seeing as he has a little paddling pool he loves to play in when it's hot!). I feel so bad for him as it obviously upsets him! Has anyone else had this problem and does anyone have any other suggestions how to make him comfortable going in the rain? Thanks so much!