need help identifying tumor growth in my cat angel

[TJCATS]

hi there. my cat has been with me since 2004 or 2005 or somewhere around there, so she's about 18 now. Such a loving cat, always loyal to me, and i love her so much. She recently got diagnosed with a tumor in her mouth. I guess it's benign, but really not sure. The vet said there's really nothing they can do because of the location of it, which is embedded right in her jaw bone. Right now I am finishing her antibiotic, but have been giving her life gold the past week or so. So I am hoping that will keep her comfortable. That's my main goal, is to keep her as comfortable as i can, but still have a few questions about what else i should be doing. Please, any comforting thing will help me. I lost a 12 year old in 2018, and she suffered because of me. I didn't know what to do. But at least with this one, I can take things in my own hands and keep her as comfortable as I can. Thank you in advanced for your kind words.

 

[neely]

Welcome to TCS! First let me say I am very sorry to hear about your present cat's tumor in her mouth. Did the vet do bloodwork and a biopsy? Did the vet give you a prognosis? I completely understand what you're going through since our last cat was diagnosed with cancer of the mandible. Our vet prescribed Piroxicam which we had to get from a compound pharmacy. It did help relax her and keep her comfortable. Thinking of you and sending special thoughts to your girl.

 

[FeebysOwner]

Hi. A fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology of the tumor might be a good idea. FNAs don't normally require anesthesia, and a lot of them don't even need a sedative to be administered for it. If the latter were to be needed, a small dose of butorphanol might be an option. This procedure might shed some light on other options for treatment. FNAs are not much different than having blood or urine drawn.

I know it sounds drastic, and it does depend on exactly how/where the tumor grows, but should the tumor begin to impede her eating, you could have a feeding tube inserted to enable her take in sustenance while you decide how you want to proceed. It would be better than watching her waste away due to malnourishment. A feeding tube would also allow her to still 'taste' food with her mouth for as long as she is willing to try.

 

[TJCATS]

Hi, and thank you so much for replying. I am not too sure on what else I can do, since the vet poured the worst of the worst on me about her. I was told if I took her to a specialist, they would have to do bloodwork on her, and 'if' they were to operate on it, part of her jaw would have to be completely removed and would probably not give her a good quality of life. I'm stuck and don't know what to do. The Vets don't really help or answer my questions. What do you think about life gold? Or what about an herbal inflamitory? Would that help? THank you

 

[neely]

What do you think about life gold?

There is a thread on TCS that discusses whether Life Gold is a legitimate supplement that might be helpful for you:
Is Lifegold A Legitimate Supplement?

If your vet is not helpful or supportive you may want to consider getting a second opinion. It wouldn't change the diagnosis but it may answer some of your questions or give you another option.

 

[TJCATS]

thank you, i took your advice and am getting a second opinion. I know it may not be different, but the way they handle it may be a lot better and hey, you never know- they might have an anti inflammatory that will cease the growth, maybe wishful thinking, but makes me happy.

 

[TJCATS]

yea, i went to the vet yesterday and decided it's time to put her to sleep. i'm ok with it as she is suffering, but I am in no way saddeneed by it. i'm sad, but happy that she will be in a better place. thanks all for the support!