Please Request Tissue Swab Biopsy With Dental Issues

I don't like to try and scare anyone on this issue.  However, I just lost my Charlie after suffering for 11 months with oral squamous cell carcinoma.  His symptoms were only bad teeth, loss of teeth, inflamed gums.  I finally insisted on something further being done after bringing him for one dental, where he lost a tooth, 2 bouts of antibiotics and pain meds for his discomfort due to bleeding gums; a second dental where one of his teeth had broken and the loss of another (total 3), at which time I was told to "brush his teeth"  Really???? Not only had I been, but he received dental treats as well.  The third time is when I demanded something be done, tissue swab, cancer.  I don't think it would hurt a vet to routinely take a swab of a swollen, red, bleeding area of a gum especially with their knowledge that oral scc is a very prevalent disease.  The disease does not always manifest as a tumor in the mouth.  It can be in the jaw bone causing dental issues only, which is what happened with me.  I will tell you that from now on, my cats will go to a board certified dentist for all their dental work, not just at a regular vets office.  Why?  Because when the vet told me about Charlie's cancer, she said she had just diagnosed 4 in the last month.  Why did it take so long with me then???????

I'm so sorry for your loss.  Thanks for pointing out this possibility. 

Very, very important post, LaurieA. Thank you so much for it. I can't tell you how sorry I am that you have lost your baby to this horrible, heartbreaking cancer.  (((HUGS)))

Violet said:

Very, very important post, LaurieA. Thank you so much for it. I can't tell you how sorry I am that you have lost your baby to this horrible, heartbreaking cancer.  (((HUGS)))

Click to expand...

I'm so sorry, but thank you for sharing Charlie's story so it can help others.