Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma...

My 14 y/o cat was recently diagnosed with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma after 2 tumors on her tongue were biopsied. She hasn't eaten in weeks - she is hungry, but unable to keep the food in her mouth (presumably due to the pain). At the start of the year she was a beefy 16+lbs...in August she dropped to 11+lbs and a month later, she's down to 9lbs

I am devastated over this and the choices I now have to make for her. My understanding is that this is a fatal diagnosis and due to the location of the tumors, 'treatment' is removal of at least 50% of her tongue. When that is said & done, there is no guarantee that the cancer won't return or that she will survive much longer after that (she probably wouldn't be able to eat/drink).

In my heart I know what I need to do...but my head is trying to figure out a way to make her better

Anyone have a cat (or know someone with a cat) diagnosed with this type of cancer? What was the course of treatment and survival?

Thanks...

Re: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma...

i'm so sorry about your cat

i don't have any experience with this type of cancer but when our rottie had cancer, the oncologist explained that it's all about quality of life for our pets. even if she does have this treatment... can the vet tell you what her prognosis and outlook would be? i know that would help me make my decision. i'm so sorry you have to even think about this.

lots of for your cat.

Re: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma...

Our cat had this and our friends dog just recently had this.

It was quickly progressing and it was terrible towards their last days. I am sorry to tell you that, so sorry for your beloved pet's diagnosis. It hurts so much, I know.

Re: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma...

Re: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma...

Just want to send lots of hugs your way

Re: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma...

I am so sorry

Re: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma...

I am so sorry you have to make that decision!

Message edited 9/28/2009 11:26:37 PM.

Re: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma...

Re: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma...

Posted by ~Colleen~

it's all about quality of life for our pets.

exactly. my heart knows that her quality of life is poor, at best, right now. she hasn't eaten in quite some time now. I know the humane thing to do is to euthanize her...I just can't believe I have to make that decision. I never thought she'd go out like that

thanks for your replies...

Re: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma...

I am so sorry.

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Re: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma...

Thank you everyone, for all your kind thoughts.

I made the appointment for Thursday...

I can't stop crying yet I have to for the sake of my daughter who absolutely adores her 'see-see' (dd is 15m old).

thanks again...

Re: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma...

It's the one of the most heart-wrenching decisions to make. I've been there I'm so sorry you have to do this. It might be torture leading up to Thursday, but you are doing the right thing. It's all about ending her suffering, not ending her life. Poor thing.

Re: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma...

I'm so sorry.

My cat had this. She was 18 and we didn't know what the problem was. She was drooling black drool and the vet told us it was her teeth. The vet had no idea because she was so old. She was eating fine up until the following incident.

TMI part...



Then one day part of her tongue fell out when she was cleaning herself. I didn't know what it was so we rushed her to the vet. He finally was able to get into her mouth as previously she wouldn't let anyone in. The vet said, she can't live like this. He basically said she won't be able to drink water and she will die of hunger and thirst. She just can't live like this. I knew what I had to do with her at this point. The vet also said doing surgery doesn't really help with oral cancer as the success rate is not high.

In a way I was glad the vet flat out told us she can't live like this, as it was like he made that decision for us. I took her home and spent one last night with her and we put her to sleep the next day.

The disease is really quick. In total it was about two months. She lived a really good life, 18 years.

I am so sorry you have to go through with this. FM me if you need to talk.

ETA: I don't have exact links, but I have read about the causes of this disease and they say scented candles and cigarette smoke can cause this to animals. The carcinogens rest on their fur and then they clean themselves. I felt horribly guilty after this because she grew up in a smoking household.

Message edited 10/4/2009 10:10:15 AM.

Re: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma...

Posted by ~Colleen~

Thank you everyone, for all your kind thoughts.

I made the appointment for Thursday...

I can't stop crying yet I have to for the sake of my daughter who absolutely adores her 'see-see' (dd is 15m old).

thanks again...

Re: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma...

Thank you for thinking of me...I'm sad, but holding up. Charlotte (my DD) keeps pointing to her picture and saying her name...or pointing to random black cats and saying her name Breaks my heart...

kling - I've read that too. Lucy lived in a smoke-free home her entire life. Her vet said they really can't pinpoint how they get this type of cancer but that tongue cancer is very common in cats due to the licking & possible carcinogens on their fur

Re: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma...

Posted by ~Colleen~

Thank you for thinking of me...I'm sad, but holding up. Charlotte (my DD) keeps pointing to her picture and saying her name...or pointing to random black cats and saying her name Breaks my heart...

kling - I've read that too. Lucy lived in a smoke-free home her entire life. Her vet said they really can't pinpoint how they get this type of cancer but that tongue cancer is very common in cats due to the licking & possible carcinogens on their fur