Emmerdale has revealed the tragic fate of the Dingle family's beloved dog, Monty, leaving the family heartbroken. During Wednesday's episode (July 8), Paddy Kirk visited Wishing Well Cottage to deliver the devastating update: Monty has terminal cancer.
Monty's Health Crisis
Earlier this week, Kyle Winchester set a fire after a disagreement with his father, Cain Dingle, unaware that Monty was trapped inside the shed. Cain rescued Monty and rushed him to the vet, where Paddy treated him for severe smoke inhalation. Subsequent tests revealed a more serious underlying condition.
Paddy informed Cain, Moira, Belle, Sam, and Lydia: "The tests have confirmed Monty does have cancer, and it's metastatic. There is a tumour on his spleen that's spread to the lungs, which is why the smoke inhalation knocked him for six." Sam bluntly asked, "He's going to die then," and Paddy nodded. He added: "It's quite an aggressive form."
Quality of Life Concerns
When Lydia asked about Monty's quality of life, Paddy replied: "Well, he's already been known by the smoke damage, so he's still got to get over that. But you know, he's eating well, and he's still alert. There will be good moments. Give the right treatments, and we can keep him comfortable."
Cain, who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and is refusing treatment, responded: "Being comfortable isn't the same as living, though, is it?" Moira urged that they could still enjoy quality time with Monty and give him the chance to relish whatever life he had left.
Cain's Decision Reversal
Later, Cain picked Monty up from the veterinary practice, where Paddy urged him to give his faithful companion more time and cherish every moment. The encounter gave Cain much to contemplate, ultimately prompting him to reverse his decision and resume treatment for his prostate cancer — a move that left his loved ones overjoyed.
Emmerdale airs weekdays on ITV and ITVX.
