Our Gracie has basel cell carcinoma in her cheek. She originally had a tumor two years ago. When the vet removed it, she said she was confident that a) she got it all and b) it would not return.
A year later, it returned and Gracie had surgery again. The vet was stunned and said she was now relatively sure it would not return. But she couldn't guarantee it, obviously.
This month, it did return. Gracie has three tumors (two pea sized, one the size of a small marble). The vet recommended just leaving it alone. Gracie did not seem in pain when she was examined. There is not enough skin for another surgery that won't leave Gracie with a grimace from the skin that gets pulled tight. She's already lost all her whiskers on that cheek.
Gracie seems fine, although she has been a little needy. She was never the kind of cat to seek attention or to want to sit near or on us. She was always content with a scritch once in awhile. Recently, though, she's been patting my arm for pets, although she only accepts a few seconds worth before she walks away. Then she's back a few seconds later and the process is repeated - sometimes up to ten times.
My question is - how do I tell when she's in pain? I have pain meds for her, although the idea of pilling her makes me cringe. She would probably never come out from under the bed after that. The meds apparently tastes bad, so putting it in her food probably won't work.
Right now I am trying not to think about the future. But does anyone have any experience they can share with me? Just needs some guidance ... Thanks!
A year later, it returned and Gracie had surgery again. The vet was stunned and said she was now relatively sure it would not return. But she couldn't guarantee it, obviously.
This month, it did return. Gracie has three tumors (two pea sized, one the size of a small marble). The vet recommended just leaving it alone. Gracie did not seem in pain when she was examined. There is not enough skin for another surgery that won't leave Gracie with a grimace from the skin that gets pulled tight. She's already lost all her whiskers on that cheek.
Gracie seems fine, although she has been a little needy. She was never the kind of cat to seek attention or to want to sit near or on us. She was always content with a scritch once in awhile. Recently, though, she's been patting my arm for pets, although she only accepts a few seconds worth before she walks away. Then she's back a few seconds later and the process is repeated - sometimes up to ten times.
My question is - how do I tell when she's in pain? I have pain meds for her, although the idea of pilling her makes me cringe. She would probably never come out from under the bed after that. The meds apparently tastes bad, so putting it in her food probably won't work.
Right now I am trying not to think about the future. But does anyone have any experience they can share with me? Just needs some guidance ... Thanks!
