You can try hydrogen peroxide diluted with water and soak a gauze pad or cotton balls to gently clean the fur around his mouth, careful not to get it inside his mouth, that wouldn't be a good feeling for a sore, healing tongue. Try to catch him directly after he eats so that it doesn't dry in his fur too fast.
As for the water, try enticing him to the tap with something interesting, like his food, if he was not normally a counter-jumper, you may want to use something he is familiar with so he's comfortable around running water and the fawcett itself. Run the tap so that is streams alittle to get his attention. I also like D~'s idea about the water bottle (used for rabbits, hamsters, pocket pets), it just might be something he might find helpful. You can find these at your vet's clinic or any pet store and you can easily attach it to just about anything, they're fairly cheap.
Until he gets the hang of drinking water, add water to his food so that he's getting additional moisture. When using syringes, put the syringe at the corner of the mouth, rather than directly in front, and use small drops at a time.
Lastly, if you have a warehouse pet store, like Petsmart in your area, look for a kitty water fountain, they are made by Drinkwell (see it HERE ) and Freshflow (see it HERE ) , while alittle pricey, one would be ideal for your situation, plus your other kitties would love it too.
Hope this helps, hang in there, it sounds like you have a very strong boy there, just ensure that he's eating well and until he learns to drink, do add water to his food for that extra moisture.......
Our cat just had half of his tongue removed! (glossectomy)
Traci, Davet etc....
I received the results of the pathology today, it is Squamous Cell Carcinoma! The vet also indicated that the tumor that was removed was quote: "very nasty". Everything I hear or read about online says a recurrence is rare and rarely spreads, yet the vet that treated him seems to always seems to dwell on the negative saying it's very likely with all those small glands and tissues in the mouth that it will come back. Even more so when they found out the cancer is very aggresive. If I see a feline oncologist, I am sure that he/she will suggest chemo or radiation. Knowing that this will most likely do more harm than good in the long run, I would really like to try an alternative therapy, maybe something holistic and treat him toward a long term recovery rather than stick a bunch of toxins in him so he can live for another sixth months. I have checked out a few of the holistic vets online but can't seem to find any advice on my situation. I don't know if you have any input on this subject, but once again if you do, it would be greatly appreciated!
Oh, and thanks Traci, I picked up one of those kitty drinking fountains yesterday. I don't think any of these guys quite know what to make of it yet! An excellent idea nonetheless.
I received the results of the pathology today, it is Squamous Cell Carcinoma! The vet also indicated that the tumor that was removed was quote: "very nasty". Everything I hear or read about online says a recurrence is rare and rarely spreads, yet the vet that treated him seems to always seems to dwell on the negative saying it's very likely with all those small glands and tissues in the mouth that it will come back. Even more so when they found out the cancer is very aggresive. If I see a feline oncologist, I am sure that he/she will suggest chemo or radiation. Knowing that this will most likely do more harm than good in the long run, I would really like to try an alternative therapy, maybe something holistic and treat him toward a long term recovery rather than stick a bunch of toxins in him so he can live for another sixth months. I have checked out a few of the holistic vets online but can't seem to find any advice on my situation. I don't know if you have any input on this subject, but once again if you do, it would be greatly appreciated!
Oh, and thanks Traci, I picked up one of those kitty drinking fountains yesterday. I don't think any of these guys quite know what to make of it yet! An excellent idea nonetheless.
Squamous cell carcinoma is one of the worst, and your vet has reason to dwell, he's probably dealt with many cases. However, it doesn't mean it will always reoccur, and I assume your vet did his best to get wide margins, hence the loss of part of the tongue. You will really need to get frequent followups on this, check oral health frequently, so that you are always one step ahead.
I don't even recommend holistic or homeopathy for any reason, let alone for treatment of cancer. Mainly because there is no alternative treatment. If a holistic vet tries to sell you on holisitic or other alternative methods, you're only wasting your time and money. It may seem like a widely accepted practice, over the net anyway, but in reality, it is not so accepted, nor supported. Owner beware, that's my entire take on it.
Only a feline oncologist can give you direct answers in regard to your kitty's particular case and needs. I'd seek one promptly. You ultimately have the choice to decline chemo, but you need to be aware that chemo can be useful in some cases, may be able to provide remission, may halt the progression, each case is entirely different. Alternative medicine can't do that, sorry to say.
I don't even recommend holistic or homeopathy for any reason, let alone for treatment of cancer. Mainly because there is no alternative treatment. If a holistic vet tries to sell you on holisitic or other alternative methods, you're only wasting your time and money. It may seem like a widely accepted practice, over the net anyway, but in reality, it is not so accepted, nor supported. Owner beware, that's my entire take on it.
Only a feline oncologist can give you direct answers in regard to your kitty's particular case and needs. I'd seek one promptly. You ultimately have the choice to decline chemo, but you need to be aware that chemo can be useful in some cases, may be able to provide remission, may halt the progression, each case is entirely different. Alternative medicine can't do that, sorry to say.
..........Traci
Re: Our cat just had half of his tongue removed! (glossectom
Update June 15. Traci?
All seemed to be going well until recently. He has been eating well and thanks to a special kitty-cat drinking fountain getting lots of water. The problem as of a couple days ago is that he is drooling quite a bit and not eating quite as much. Also, he has licked most of the fur around his genital area and back legs right down to the skin. He walks kinda funny with his tail down but that's probably because he doesn't feel too confident down there. He's also been spending quite a bit of time sleeping/hiding under a chair recently as well. We made an appointment with a feline oncologist shortly after the last post I made but the earliest they could get us in is June 23. (way too long!) Finding an oncologist was also difficult as I am in Ontario, Canada and they are few and far between. This one in particular is about an hour away. Any ideas/suggestions as to why he is acting this way? I am guessing that he is most likely experiencing a re-occurence with the SCC and that he is slipping away from us.
All seemed to be going well until recently. He has been eating well and thanks to a special kitty-cat drinking fountain getting lots of water. The problem as of a couple days ago is that he is drooling quite a bit and not eating quite as much. Also, he has licked most of the fur around his genital area and back legs right down to the skin. He walks kinda funny with his tail down but that's probably because he doesn't feel too confident down there. He's also been spending quite a bit of time sleeping/hiding under a chair recently as well. We made an appointment with a feline oncologist shortly after the last post I made but the earliest they could get us in is June 23. (way too long!) Finding an oncologist was also difficult as I am in Ontario, Canada and they are few and far between. This one in particular is about an hour away. Any ideas/suggestions as to why he is acting this way? I am guessing that he is most likely experiencing a re-occurence with the SCC and that he is slipping away from us.
Re: Our cat just had half of his tongue removed! (glossectom
The drooling could be a result of any number of things....abcessed tooth, bacterial infection in the mouth or gums, or from nausea. I'd definately get him to your regular vet ASAP for a quick recheck and oral exam as well.
As for licking the genital area and thigh areas, plus the strange gait, this could be an unrelated condition entirely, so an exam and possibly new bloodwork is warranted ASAP. Any secondary condition can accompany a primary health condition (i.e., cancer) so it's extremely important those potentials are ruled out immediately. Liver and kidney function, heart function and thyroid function should all be retested or performed now if it hasn't been done yet. The gait and self-mutilation of his fur could also be a symptom relating to pain or discomfort, so you need to know where it's coming from, what other condition might be surfacing.
As for anorexia, again, ask your vet for Hill's A/D or Medi-cal veterinary recovery diets, the recovery and acute diets are formulated so you can simply mix them with water for easier eating, and may seem to be more palatible for him. His nutritional status is very important right now pending a new checkup (hydration status equally as important)
Don't automatically assume he is 'slipping away'....as stated above, another condition might be surfacing that caught early on, may be able to be effectively treated. A new exam is warranted ASAP.
Don't wait on this,.....update when you can. My prayers are with kitty and you, hang in there...
As for licking the genital area and thigh areas, plus the strange gait, this could be an unrelated condition entirely, so an exam and possibly new bloodwork is warranted ASAP. Any secondary condition can accompany a primary health condition (i.e., cancer) so it's extremely important those potentials are ruled out immediately. Liver and kidney function, heart function and thyroid function should all be retested or performed now if it hasn't been done yet. The gait and self-mutilation of his fur could also be a symptom relating to pain or discomfort, so you need to know where it's coming from, what other condition might be surfacing.
As for anorexia, again, ask your vet for Hill's A/D or Medi-cal veterinary recovery diets, the recovery and acute diets are formulated so you can simply mix them with water for easier eating, and may seem to be more palatible for him. His nutritional status is very important right now pending a new checkup (hydration status equally as important)
Don't automatically assume he is 'slipping away'....as stated above, another condition might be surfacing that caught early on, may be able to be effectively treated. A new exam is warranted ASAP.
Don't wait on this,.....update when you can. My prayers are with kitty and you, hang in there...
..........Traci
Re: Our cat just had half of his tongue removed! (glossectom
Thanks for the tip Traci. I will call the vet in the AM. He did have a short oral checkup last Monday and the vet seemed to be rather surprised at how well his mouth looked and how well he was doing altogether. About 10 minutes ago he was crying for some food so I put down a plate of his favorite Tuna/whitefish wet stuff. He walked up, sniffed at it, attempted to take a bite but just gagged and went and hid back under the chair. I neglected to note this in my last post but I have noticed that when he goes to eat sometimes, he gags. Any idea why?
Thanks again, your prayers and support are deeply appreciated!
Thanks again, your prayers and support are deeply appreciated!
Re: Our cat just had half of his tongue removed! (glossectom
Nausea or oral problem most likely....might want to call your vet first thing in the morning and get another recheck. If SSC, this can be agressive, so need to monitor other areas as well....maybe even ask for a chest x-ray to ensure that it has not progressed to the thorax or lung areas. Not to scare you, it's just a good approach...
The gagging is concerning, and if he's not eating, you MUST get that attended to by your vet right away. If nausea is a concern, your vet can certainly prescribe reglan or other meds to help combat that, may also need a temporary antibiotic approach if any other bacteria is a concern.
Please don't wait on this.
The gagging is concerning, and if he's not eating, you MUST get that attended to by your vet right away. If nausea is a concern, your vet can certainly prescribe reglan or other meds to help combat that, may also need a temporary antibiotic approach if any other bacteria is a concern.
Please don't wait on this.
..........Traci
Re: Our cat just had half of his tongue removed! (glossectom
Would also like to mention, try feeding broth (chicken), or slurry food, rather than chunky tuna or whatever, his mouth might be painful. Again, the Hill's A/D is perfect for this. Even gerber baby food would be ok until you get to your vet, but absolutely NO onion or garlic ingredients in it, check labels!
..........Traci
Re: Our cat just had half of his tongue removed! (glossectom
Just got back from the vet and the news is not good. The cancer is starting to grow on his tongue again. That is why he is drooling & having a hard time eating again as his tongue is swollen and sore. He prescribed some antibiotics that will lessen the swelling in his tongue so that he may be able to eat a little easier.
As far as the irritation around his genital area goes..... the vet says that since he only has half a tongue he can't really clean himself down there properly and when he pees it causes the irritation. The vet tried to examine the area and was greeted with a growl and a hiss. He must be really sore down there! The vet also gave him a shot of anti-inflammatory to help that. Traci, how can I keep him clean down there without really making life miserable for him?
The oncologist appointment is still 10 days away. I really, honestly don't think we can wait that long. This cancer is very viscious and so fast. He was examined not 7 days ago and everything seemed so good and looked clear. I do have some good news and that is that he took an x-ray today and it hasn't spread anywhere else!
Soon as I got him in the door I gave him a big plate of food. He managed to get about half of it down although he seemed to struggle with it a little. He had a big drink from his fountain and then went and hid under the chair again. He so badly wants to stay with us!!! That's my update for now.
As far as the irritation around his genital area goes..... the vet says that since he only has half a tongue he can't really clean himself down there properly and when he pees it causes the irritation. The vet tried to examine the area and was greeted with a growl and a hiss. He must be really sore down there! The vet also gave him a shot of anti-inflammatory to help that. Traci, how can I keep him clean down there without really making life miserable for him?
The oncologist appointment is still 10 days away. I really, honestly don't think we can wait that long. This cancer is very viscious and so fast. He was examined not 7 days ago and everything seemed so good and looked clear. I do have some good news and that is that he took an x-ray today and it hasn't spread anywhere else!
Soon as I got him in the door I gave him a big plate of food. He managed to get about half of it down although he seemed to struggle with it a little. He had a big drink from his fountain and then went and hid under the chair again. He so badly wants to stay with us!!! That's my update for now.
Re: Our cat just had half of his tongue removed! (glossectom
To clean urine scalding.....ask your vet for scrubs (gauze pads) soaked in Nolvasan, you can use these to gently cleanse the area, then ask him about applying either panalog he can give you or ask about baby Desitin cream. (creams/ointments not necessary unless scalds are present)
Can you ask your vet to check with the university and see if they can up your onco visit? Your vet can explain that it is an emergency consult given kitty's current symptoms. I don't want to instill false hope, but you need to be prepared and to know what to expect. I don't know if additional removal of the tongue is a good idea...the oncologist would be able to tell your more based on his exam and findings. You may be faced with an agressive chemo approach, but laser surgery may also be an option, it truly depends on the nature and aggresiveness of the SCC at this point. This is why I strongly suggest getting your vet to see if they can get that consult appointment right away as an emergency basis.
Also, not knowing your vet's thoughts or comments, it may be time to consider pain medications....such as oral butorphanol. This can be compounded in a palatable syrup to be given orally as much as three times a day. It will take the edge off any pain and may even encourage his appetitie. (it won't sedate, it just takes the edge off pain). Please ask your vet about this first thing in the morning and also about upping the onco appt.
Hang in there....my prayers continue for your little guy!!
Can you ask your vet to check with the university and see if they can up your onco visit? Your vet can explain that it is an emergency consult given kitty's current symptoms. I don't want to instill false hope, but you need to be prepared and to know what to expect. I don't know if additional removal of the tongue is a good idea...the oncologist would be able to tell your more based on his exam and findings. You may be faced with an agressive chemo approach, but laser surgery may also be an option, it truly depends on the nature and aggresiveness of the SCC at this point. This is why I strongly suggest getting your vet to see if they can get that consult appointment right away as an emergency basis.
Also, not knowing your vet's thoughts or comments, it may be time to consider pain medications....such as oral butorphanol. This can be compounded in a palatable syrup to be given orally as much as three times a day. It will take the edge off any pain and may even encourage his appetitie. (it won't sedate, it just takes the edge off pain). Please ask your vet about this first thing in the morning and also about upping the onco appt.
Hang in there....my prayers continue for your little guy!!
..........Traci