Cat With Tooth Reabsorption, Potential Oral Cancer - Your Thoughts?

[Jewely]

Hello!

Glad you were able to post the video. Some aspects of what Reba is doing is similar. When my boy did it, he would yawn and his bottom jaw would quiver, but definitely the rest looks so familiar! I forgot until I saw this but there was some noise involved. It was obvious he needed dental work because of his breath.
When we took him in they said at least two teeth extracted by the X-ray but it wasn’t until he was under that they saw the other two. The vet called to tell me during his surgery.

Also, I have read on here where bone fragments have been left behind but I don’t know much about that, just what I’ve read.

Her case is much more complicated so it may be neurological after all. I hope you get some answers soon!

 

[Mamanyt1953]

I just had a real bizarre, off the wall thought...has she been checked for nasal and/or ear polyps? Even an ear polyp, if it were deep enough and big enough could affect her mouth and sinuses, as they all drain into each other at some point.

 

[REBA Deba Doo]

Thanks everyone.

Waiting for the biopsy, this has been going on for almost 2 months, our vet said that oral C should have advanced by now. Reba does not present with typical oral C symptoms.

Reba has lots of energy to come up the stairs and play with her toys and jump on a bench for her food.

Started Diazapam last nite, Reba still jawed when she ate, but a bit less to be sure. The specialty dentist vet consulted with their neurological partners - they are suggesting Gabba as an option. This assumes that the issue is neurological.

My uneducated, lay person's, gut tells me that it is something dental that irritates Reba when she eats or yawns.

Going to the vet today for an inspection and discussion.

Will keep everyone informed.

I am major stressed because I leave June 3 for a month trip overseas.

 

[neely]

I am major stressed because I leave June 3 for a month trip overseas.

I completely understand your stressful situation between waiting for the biopsy and worry over your upcoming trip. I will keep my fingers and paws crossed for the biopsy results. Who will watch over Reba when you're gone for a month overseas?

 

[Mamanyt1953]

Got a candle lit for both of you!

 

[REBA Deba Doo]

Good morning dear feline parents.

Again, thanks so much for your postings and knowledge.

Good news - Reba Deba Doo does not have cancer!!!!!!

The biopsy showed inflammation, edema in the irritated tissue.

Reba is on 50 mg of gabapentin per day and metacam for inflammation.

My local vet consulted with the dental and neurological specialists at the Montreal specialty hospital - they are now thinking it is related to the big spinning session cause the jawing happened after the spin.

The repeated jawing is not allowing the surgical areas to heal - Reba has a very red area where her lower tooth was extracted right at the jaw hinge.

Reba is eating better since starting the gabapentin and the jawing is a bit less.

The vets say Reba would be on the gaba for months until the cycle of stimulation etc is broken.

We are away for a month starting Monday - but have an outstanding pet sitter coming 2x per day to pill Reba and take care of her brother Hunter and the hummingbirds. Had Catherine over last nite and we were in awe at her ability to pill Reba using the pill pockets. What a professional.

Will keep everyone informed of Reba's progress.

Have a Purrrrrrfect day.

Reba Deba Doo's momma (staff)

 

[neely]

Good news - Reba Deba Doo does not have cancer!!!!!!

That is excellent news.
I hope the Gabapentin continues to lessen the jawing. Happy to hear you have such a reliable pet sitter. Best wishes for a safe and enjoyable trip.

 

[Mamanyt1953]

BEST NEWS OF THE DAY!

 

[1 bruce 1]

Wonderful news!
The video has me stumped, if this happens around the same time as biting or licking or spinning, I'd wonder about something neurological, even hyperesthesia. Does she act "twitchy" all over (you'll see her spine twitching, rippling, etc.)
I've never seen a cat do it, but I've seen dogs do similar motions when in that twilight period before a seizure but not there yet. Sometimes they seize, other (most times) it passes and they go on like nothing has happened.
Whatever happens, she's a loved, well cared for girl who will have nothing but the best that anyone or anything can offer.

 

[1 bruce 1]

"Reba Deba Doo's momma (staff)"


I see you "get" that "cat ownership" is the greatest oxy-moron known to mankind. Welcome to the elite

 

[Jewely]

It’s possible it could be related to allergies, either food or environmental as well! I was reading about that somewhere else recently. I don’t know how to add a link here!
Wonderful news that she is cancer free

 

[REBA Deba Doo]

Morning dearest kitty cat parents!

"Many hands make light work" - is my life's motto. Your analysis and ideas are outstanding for my Reba and your own and others beloved felines!

We are on day 4 of gabba and Reba's "jawing" is definately less. But she still "jaws":

* When she yawns, it always triggers the "jawing" - so that is a fully range motion of the jaw......
* When she eats, sometimes she "jaws"

Makes me still think there is a TMJ or jaw mechanical issue - maybe in addition to the neurological - cause the gabba does seem to lessen the frequency of the "jawing".

Good news, the inside of her mouth where the dental surgury was is finally, finally looking better.

To the ideas you have kindly posted, Reba does not have ear polyps cause my vet took alot of xrays and did a thorough check. Reba does have hyperesthesia - does have rippling fur on her back. Also, this entire episode started with a series of spins (Reba bites her side and spins quickly in a circle, she has done this since a kitten). The spins ended with a med.

Then 2 weeks later the "jawing" started and the discovery of the tooth re-absorption issue.

This is the most perplexing kitty situation of my life.

Reba is pretty drugged up, on Gabba, Metacam and Mirtazapene for appetite.

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[denice]

It could just be that irritated area that she is in the habit of 'worrying'. I know I will do the same thing, even though I know it makes a place like that worse I will keep messing with it.

 

[REBA Deba Doo]

Denice, thank you. Discussed with the vet compulsive disorder. Could be, the gabba is supposed to break the cycle but no evidence yet.

The drama continues.

Yesterday morning there was blood everywhere in the house and in Reba's mouth. Rushed to vet - was a blood blister on inside of the jaw on the side where the dental work was. Sigh.

They gave her a pain med (cant remember) and Reba immediately stopped jawing - got her home and she yawned 2x in a row and no jawing. This has never happened before - the pain med seemed to stop the jawing.

But that wore off and she is back to jawing - but not quite as much as before.

So part of me says there is a pain element still in play - but the vets don't know why.

Thought to have xrays done, but that involves anesthetic and I don't want to go there right now.

This is just nuts, no Reba is not dying and other feline parents have it way worse than me, but this is the most confounding feline situation of my life.

Guess got to wait on the gabba to kick in better!

Thanks to all, Reba Deba Doo's human servant.

 

[1 bruce 1]

With a blood blister, it was probably anywhere from an annoying sensation to painful hence the jawing. Since it's burst, she might jaw once the medications wear off because frankly healing can hurt and it's in a sore spot as it is. But mouth problems seem to heal the quickest (of the body) so it will be interesting to see how she does once that blister is all healed up. Did the vet suspect infection of any sort? It's still exasperating but it's good to have seen progress while she was pain-free, so hopefully once she's all healed up the jawing will go away for good.
The confusing ones that make you go crazy are the ones who teach you the most

 

[REBA Deba Doo]

Thanks to everyone. I am off today for my trip. Will keep you dear people posted!

Reba is ok, but still jawing.

First, was interesting, Saturday she got a calming shot to allow the vet to examine her mouth (norantropine I think, something like that).

So we come home. Reba yawns 2x in a row, and no jawing!!!!!!!!

This has never happened before.

So if there was a structural issue or irritant, one would think the 2x yawning would have precipitated a jawing session.

Second, much later Reba got her appetite stimulant, mertazapine, which made her drugged and constantly walking and distracted.

But, Reba ate 20 dry kibbles with no jawing.

Hours later, she ate dry kibble and started to jaw.
________________________________________________

This on/off behavior is driving us nuts.
We also don't know what med is doing what.

While away Reba will have more sleep, which should reduce the frequency of jawing and help healing.

Paws crossed.

Thanks again for everyone's assistance.

I will update this thread if anything significant happens!

Have a perrrrrrrrfect day everyone.

Reba Deba Doo's human servant!

 

[Mamanyt1953]

They gave her a pain med (cant remember) and Reba immediately stopped jawing - got her home and she yawned 2x in a row and no jawing. This has never happened before - the pain med seemed to stop the jawing.

But that wore off and she is back to jawing - but not quite as much as before.

So part of me says there is a pain element still in play - but the vets don't know why.

Did we discuss TMJ with the vet as a possibility? Even a remote one? Do cats even get TMJ? When mine flares, I "jaw" a lot.

 

[REBA Deba Doo]

Hello:

My beloved Reba Deba Doo died yesterday.

I am in Austria right now and my cat sitter advised she found Reba bleeding profusely from the mouth again yesterday. Vets put Reba under to explore, she died under anesthesiadue to loss of blood.

Apparently a tumour of some sort in upper soft tissue near nasal.

Fortunately my cat sitter came in at the exact time Reba was bleeding, otherwise Reba would have bled to death alone.

My sister attended on my behalf.

My husband and I are beside ourselves.

I want to thank everyone who commented and sent regards. Your efforts were greatly appreciated.

Former servant and mother to Reba Deba Doo who is in rainbow bridge now

 

[denice]

I am so sorry.

 

[1 bruce 1]

Hello:

My beloved Reba Deba Doo died yesterday.

I am in Austria right now and my cat sitter advised she found Reba bleeding profusely from the mouth again yesterday. Vets put Reba under to explore, she died under anesthesiadue to loss of blood.

Apparently a tumour of some sort in upper soft tissue near nasal.

Fortunately my cat sitter came in at the exact time Reba was bleeding, otherwise Reba would have bled to death alone.

My sister attended on my behalf.

My husband and I are beside ourselves.

I want to thank everyone who commented and sent regards. Your efforts were greatly appreciated.

Former servant and mother to Reba Deba Doo who is in rainbow bridge now

Well, you've brought this gruff old fart to tears. I'm so sorry my friend, you have done so much to help this little cat and it wasn't in vain. It's situations like this (someone going to the ends of their own earth to help their cat in any way) that make me have hope for humanity. And I mean that with everything I got.
You might be a former servant, but you will ALWAYS be her "mom". That never dies, and neither does love.
Rest easy little girl, you have had a support group on this site that reaches all corners of the globe.