Excessive Panting

Question
My (12) year old female cocker spaniel has been panting virtually all day every day for about (3) weeks now.  She seems to be eating and drinking fine.  When she sleeps her breathing seems okay. Kind of fast and steady.  But when shes awake, the panting and drooling starts.  Is she in pain or uncomfortable?  I don't know what to do.  She does have tumors in her ears that have grown over the opening of her ear canal.  I am sure she is having a hard time hearing. But would that make her pant?  Other than that she seems to be fine.  We had her to a Vet for Colitis and besides the tumors, Vet says she still has some life left in her.  But this did start after the Vet visit. Could you please help me?
Thank you so much for your help ahead.

Answer
You need to go to a different vet.  Excessive panting "usually" is a sign of pain.  And she shouldn't be breathing fast when she's sleeping.

If it started after the vet visit - what happened there?  Is she on a medication?  Food change?
Have you called the vet to report on this?
Delores