lump in lower jaw

robyn66 · Dec 9, 2015

My cat Simon is 9 years old. A couple of weeks ago we noticed a lump (hard as bone) on his lower jaw, The cat is NO different that he has ever been, he eats like normal, runs around. Has clear eyes and literally NO problems at all. I took him to the vet and thought it wouldn't be a big thing because he is so healthy. The vet felt his face and said without missing a beat that it was cancer and he would only live from two weeks to possibly two months.

I almost fell on the floor! This was the last thing we expected. The vet did no blood tests or biopsies and told us that there was nothing that could be done for him, we just had to wait until he started suffering so we could put him down.

I am in shock. I cant beleive he is dying when he is so healthy. Truly eating lke a pig. The lump is about the size of a large marble. Shouldnt he have SOME sickness if it is cancer and it is that big. I have a friend that says it is unlikely it is cancer and it is probably a hard abscess. Simon has been playing rough with our other cat and had a scap on his chin from a rough fight with the other cat.

Is there any hope? I am so afraid to get my hopes up. I am taking him to another vet for a second opinion and I am praying there is a better diagnosis. I have found no good news on line-all of the lumps seem to lead to cancer but they also mention other symptoms, weight loss diarrhea, not eating, keeping to themselves. Simon has NONE of these symptoms. I do know when I try and touch it he pulls away so I am hopeful that even though the skin is not warm and there is no outward appearance of an abscess one is still in there.

All we have done is cry since we found out. I am praying for a miracle. Has anyone had an experience like this that resulted in a happy ending???

Please let me know.

Best to you

Robyn

ruthm · Dec 9, 2015

I am sorry you received this news. Honestly, I don't see how your vet can make this diagnosis without any testing? If it was me, I would be getting a 2nd opinion and have it tested before I gave up hope. I've not had this happen to any of mine,b ut I have heard of other kitties who had growth on their lower jaw, but upon biopsy,it was not squamous cell carcinoma but rather some non-cancerous growth. Please keep us posted.

robyn66 · Dec 10, 2015

I am absolutely going for a second opinion, I already have an appointment for him. Unfortunately the earliest appointment is next Friday so we will be on eggshells until then. Hopefully Simon will stay himself and not go down hill. I will keep you posted.

Thank you!

Robyn

stephanietx · Dec 10, 2015

What an inconsiderate vet! Even if it is cancer, s/he could've been a little bit more tactful. I'm so sorry and hope that you get better news, or at least more hopeful news, from the second opinion vet.

ruthm · Dec 10, 2015

Robyn66 said:
I am absolutely going for a second opinion, I already have an appointment for him. Unfortunately the earliest appointment is next Friday so we will be on eggshells until then. Hopefully Simon will stay himself and not go down hill. I will keep you posted.

Thank you!

Robyn

Whew I am so glad you're set up for that 2nd opinion, I wish did not have to wait that long, the agony will be excruciating, but please know we're praying for you and Simon! I also don't mean to be so casual about your vet's diagnosis either, because it could be something serious like a carcinoma, however, I know that sometimes things aren't what they seem, even the vets can be wrong, it just bothered me that your vet said it was cancer without even checking! Of the 4 people I know of, all 4 vets were wrong per the biopsy.

Sending positive thoughts and prayers!

robyn66 · Dec 10, 2015

I think its going to be ok. I am so afraid to think it but my daughters friends mom came over. She has over 30 years of taking care of animals and she felt Simon and doesn't think it is cancer. In fact, she is fairly certain it is a bad abscess. She said they can be as hard as a rock. She even found the place where our other cat either bit or clawed him. She looked him over and he is perfectly healthy, with a good appetite, clear eyes, pink gums the works. BUT I can't be relieved just yet, but I am taking him to a vet that she knows by Monday at the latest. Apparently I have a bad vet!! I never had a bad thing happen until now but this was a biggie.

I will keep you up to date. Thank you!!

Robyn

robyn66 · Dec 10, 2015

Thank you so much for the thoughts and prayers. I am so glad I found this group!! I am so glad to have such knowledgeable people to talk to. *BIG HUG*

Thanks!!

Robyn

robyn66 · Dec 11, 2015

I have a question for you. Is it possible to have an infection without a fever? I am just trying to think the worst until the vet confirms what my friend said. The first vet (who I will never take one of my darlings to again) said Simon had no fever. Maybe that is wrong. Maybe his temp was elevated but not a fever? But I was just wondering if an infection could be present with no fever.

Thanks!

Robyn

cinqchats · Dec 11, 2015

Robyn66 said:
I have a question for you. Is it possible to have an infection without a fever? I am just trying to think the worst until the vet confirms what my friend said. The first vet (who I will never take one of my darlings to again) said Simon had no fever. Maybe that is wrong. Maybe his temp was elevated but not a fever? But I was just wondering if an infection could be present with no fever.

Thanks!

Robyn

Yes, if there's no immune system response. Which is very bad.

robyn66 · Dec 11, 2015

The vet probably didn't take Simon's temperature right either! I think he is way too healthy to have a problem with his immune system.

Thanks,

Robyn

donutte · Dec 11, 2015

Have you had the appt with the second vet yet?

Not all lumps are cancer, not by any means. My Tiger many years ago had ear tumors that were completely benign - but they actually removed and biopsied them before determining that!

robyn66 · Dec 11, 2015

Not yet. I am trying to get in today or Monday. This is with a totally new vet with a very good reputation recommended by a friend of mine. I cant wait to get him there!

ruthm · Dec 11, 2015

I'm not a vet but I do think you can have an infection without a fever,humans certainly can. For now, take a deep breath and another, no need to worry needlessly at this point. I am glad you have a Monday appointment though. Will continue praying and sending positive thoughts your way. Glad your friend took a look at Simon as well, I am still fuming over that first vet's bedside manner!

robyn66 · Dec 11, 2015

I think this is good news, although the timing isnt very good. The are around the wound that wouldn't heal is starting to weep. I cant get him to a vet until Monday so I am going to keep on him with hot compresses to keep this clean. Hopefully nothing will rupture until Monday but this is much better news than cancer. I think my baby is going to make it!! I will keep you all informed.

Thank you all!

Robyn

stephanietx · Dec 11, 2015

I really hope it is just a bad abscess and nothing more serious. If you can find an ER vet, you could take him over the weekend if needed.

robyn66 · Dec 15, 2015

So the Simon roller-coaster continues. We saw Dr. Sawyer last night and the news wasn't great but it wasn't terrible either. We apparently have a 50/50 chance of it going either an infection or cancer. WHICH is one hell of a lot better than 100% cancer. The only way to know definitively is to get a bone biopsy. The doctor that does it is in Westford and charges $140.00 for the consultation and "the high hundreds to the low thousands" for the procedure.

I thought about it and talked to David and not only do we simply not have the money for this but the fact is, if it is cancer we are not going to put him through chemo or radiation. I am not crazy about the biopsy which is surgery. Dr. Sawyer gave him a big shot of anti-biotics.

He is in perfect health aside from the lump so I think we are going to wait and pray. He has been over two weeks and when I think about it, he has had this lump for at least two months. I remember questioning whether or not I felt it September-ish. It has definitely grown over the last few weeks but if it is cancer it has not affected him in any other way.

I must admit I am more comfortable with the idea of loving him and enjoying him while he is healthy and dealing with the inevitable when it happens whether it is 10 years from now or three months from now. He is fine, he is happy. He snuggled up to me this morning like usual and I dont want to put him through anymore fear and pain.

I know from experience with my mother's cancer if you operate you create something the body prioritizes as more dangerous than what their system is already fighting so the immune system re-focuses from fighting the cancer or infection to healing the wound. That gives it the opportunity to run wild. Ironically, if it IS cancer it is "Squamous Non small cell cancer" This is the kind that killed my mother. This is the one that 10 days following a surgical biopsy showed cancer in places it never was before. So I am going to do everything I can to make sure he has the best diet and anything he needs to fight this as long as possible and extend his quality of life. If he starts to suffer or show difficulty at least I have the option of helping him which is NOT a gift you can give a suffering human. So there we stand. I pray I see the antibiotic work within the next couple of weeks but if not-we will deal with it as it comes.

donutte · Dec 15, 2015

Robyn66 said:
So the Simon roller-coaster continues. We saw Dr. Sawyer last night and the news wasn't great but it wasn't terrible either. We apparently have a 50/50 chance of it going either an infection or cancer. WHICH is one hell of a lot better than 100% cancer. The only way to know definitively is to get a bone biopsy. The doctor that does it is in Westford and charges $140.00 for the consultation and "the high hundreds to the low thousands" for the procedure.

I thought about it and talked to David and not only do we simply not have the money for this but the fact is, if it is cancer we are not going to put him through chemo or radiation. I am not crazy about the biopsy which is surgery. Dr. Sawyer gave him a big shot of anti-biotics.

He is in perfect health aside from the lump so I think we are going to wait and pray. He has been over two weeks and when I think about it, he has had this lump for at least two months. I remember questioning whether or not I felt it September-ish. It has definitely grown over the last few weeks but if it is cancer it has not affected him in any other way.

I must admit I am more comfortable with the idea of loving him and enjoying him while he is healthy and dealing with the inevitable when it happens whether it is 10 years from now or three months from now. He is fine, he is happy. He snuggled up to me this morning like usual and I dont want to put him through anymore fear and pain.

I know from experience with my mother's cancer if you operate you create something the body prioritizes as more dangerous than what their system is already fighting so the immune system re-focuses from fighting the cancer or infection to healing the wound. That gives it the opportunity to run wild. Ironically, if it IS cancer it is "Squamous Non small cell cancer" This is the kind that killed my mother. This is the one that 10 days following a surgical biopsy showed cancer in places it never was before. So I am going to do everything I can to make sure he has the best diet and anything he needs to fight this as long as possible and extend his quality of life. If he starts to suffer or show difficulty at least I have the option of helping him which is NOT a gift you can give a suffering human. So there we stand. I pray I see the antibiotic work within the next couple of weeks but if not-we will deal with it as it comes.

I can definitely understand and respect where you are coming from. Not to the extent you have with your mom, but in other ways. While it is great to know exactly what a problem is, sometimes knowing just isn't worth the cost (financially or otherwise). When you're down to two options, one of which you can treat and one of which you cannot (for whatever reason), it makes sense to stop at that point, especially in your case when it can cause more harm potentially. Then you just do what is best to make them comfortable and happy for however long you have at that point, be it weeks or years.

Sending lots of healing vibes for Simon.

robyn66 · Dec 17, 2015

Ok, I'm not braking out the party hats yet. I came home from my meeting last night and my kids and husband said that the lump was smaller. Yesterday was two full days on the antibiotic. I was told we might be able to see it start working within a couple of days. I trust my husbands word most of all because he is very analytical. He wont tell me what I want to hear and I am not sure because it is what I want to see so badly. Hopefully I will have more certain news very soon. I think I might measure it with calipers to really be able to tell, And the wound on his chin has healed!!

Thank you so much for the love and prayers. Please keep them coming!!

I will give you all an updates as soon as I can!!

robyn66 · Dec 17, 2015

We have been so lucky. My friend examined Simon and the lump as well as the swelling are going down significantly. It appears that we were on the right 50%. So barring some unexpected complication he has a bone infection that is being managed quite well by the antibiotics. The wound on his chin that has never healed is now healed. Hopefully we are at the end of this terrifying road and things are on the upswing.

I cant begin to thank you for all of the wonderful advice and support you have given me. Hopefully we are at the end of these terrifying times.

Love to all

Robyn

ruthm · Dec 17, 2015

Fingers and paws crossed the AB is the answer- Thanks for the update.

Have you found a new vet then?

lump in lower jaw

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