My cat Strider, 17 m has developed a bony mass or tumor on lower jaw on his left side. I notice it 2 weeks ago after being away on vacation on 3 weeks. He has some drooling which I noticed first. He has some swelling in his gums which his upper canine presses down into.
He doesn't seem to be in pain, although I understand that cats can hide their pain. He is very attentive and likes to stay close to me or my other two cats. Seems to be eating and drinking OK.
He's lost weight over the past year or so. When he was younger he weighted 12 lbs. Now he's down to 8.7 lbs. with not much muscle mass.
His vet pretty much said he wouldn't recommend doing surgery on a 17 yr old. He could prescribe pain meds when/if he needs them. He had a cat with a similar tumor on his jaw. His cat lasted about 6 months. Eventually anorexia sets in as it becomes uncomfortable to eat.
He surmised that it might metasize or an infection could set in.
Any one had similar experience?
Any recommendations for what kind of food gives the most nutritional bang per bite? I'd like to fatten him up at little before things get too bad. He used eat dry food but understandably likes wet food. He's been eating some cooked chicken I had the past couple of days.
Kathy
He doesn't seem to be in pain, although I understand that cats can hide their pain. He is very attentive and likes to stay close to me or my other two cats. Seems to be eating and drinking OK.
He's lost weight over the past year or so. When he was younger he weighted 12 lbs. Now he's down to 8.7 lbs. with not much muscle mass.
His vet pretty much said he wouldn't recommend doing surgery on a 17 yr old. He could prescribe pain meds when/if he needs them. He had a cat with a similar tumor on his jaw. His cat lasted about 6 months. Eventually anorexia sets in as it becomes uncomfortable to eat.
He surmised that it might metasize or an infection could set in.
Any one had similar experience?
Any recommendations for what kind of food gives the most nutritional bang per bite? I'd like to fatten him up at little before things get too bad. He used eat dry food but understandably likes wet food. He's been eating some cooked chicken I had the past couple of days.
Kathy