stefani&toonces
Member
Friends,
First I must say how deeply grateful I am to all who have contributed to Ahi's fund through FDMB Cats in Need. He went in for his dental and biopsy on Monday, and it was wicked expensive, your generosity was much much much appreciated because it helped SO MUCH.
Unfortunately, the vet (Dr. Chu, Blue Cross Animal Hospital, Fairfax VA -- she was recommended by the rescue vet) got a good look at Ahi's mouth. He has two bloody ulcerated masses, not just the one we saw on his tongue but another one on the other side, on the gums. He also has a small lump (no open wound) on the underside of his tongue. She biopsied to the two ulcerated ones. Although we won't know for sure till the results come back, she said that it looks like oral squamous cell carcinoma. As you guys all know that's not good.
The good news at least for now is that it does not look like it's metastacized beyond the oral cavity. For now. But since both she and the rescue vet are saying that there is not much we can do if that's what it is (or rather, not much they'd recommend, as excision would be devastating given their location and given the aggressiveness of that type of cancer, would probably put him through a lot for little payoff), I'm guessing it won't stay localized for long, if that's what it is.
Also, the SPCA vet thinks that his bloodwork and weight loss together may indicate that he is borderline hyperthyroid.
We are waiting till biopsy results come back to decide what to do about all this.
Another small piece of good news:
Ahi has not needed any insulin since Christmas Day.
And he's perky and affectionate as ever.
Keep praying or sending thoughts to our Ahi.
Also, if you have any ideas on what to do if this IS oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, please do tell.
First I must say how deeply grateful I am to all who have contributed to Ahi's fund through FDMB Cats in Need. He went in for his dental and biopsy on Monday, and it was wicked expensive, your generosity was much much much appreciated because it helped SO MUCH.
Unfortunately, the vet (Dr. Chu, Blue Cross Animal Hospital, Fairfax VA -- she was recommended by the rescue vet) got a good look at Ahi's mouth. He has two bloody ulcerated masses, not just the one we saw on his tongue but another one on the other side, on the gums. He also has a small lump (no open wound) on the underside of his tongue. She biopsied to the two ulcerated ones. Although we won't know for sure till the results come back, she said that it looks like oral squamous cell carcinoma. As you guys all know that's not good.
The good news at least for now is that it does not look like it's metastacized beyond the oral cavity. For now. But since both she and the rescue vet are saying that there is not much we can do if that's what it is (or rather, not much they'd recommend, as excision would be devastating given their location and given the aggressiveness of that type of cancer, would probably put him through a lot for little payoff), I'm guessing it won't stay localized for long, if that's what it is.
Also, the SPCA vet thinks that his bloodwork and weight loss together may indicate that he is borderline hyperthyroid.
We are waiting till biopsy results come back to decide what to do about all this.
Another small piece of good news:
Ahi has not needed any insulin since Christmas Day.
And he's perky and affectionate as ever.
Keep praying or sending thoughts to our Ahi.
Also, if you have any ideas on what to do if this IS oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, please do tell.