Cat Oral Osteosarcoma

A malignant tumor in the bone is known as osteosarcoma. While these tumors usually affect the shoulder, knee or other limb, they can also occur in the skull. Less common than the limb osteosarcoma is oral sarcoma. This accounts for about one fourth of all cases. It can involve either the lower or upper jaw.

This is not a common Cat Cancer. They affect about three percent of cancers in cats. Male cats seem to be more likely to have this type of cancer.

Signs and Symptoms

The first thing an owner may notice is a mass somewhere in the mouth. These tumors can also appear in the pharynx and are not noticed by owners. Symptoms that owners may also notice are swelling, drooling, bleeding from the mouth, Cat Bad Breath, difficulty swallowing and pain. There can also be loosening of the teeth in advanced cases.

Diagnosis

A thorough examination of the cat’s mouth by the veterinarian is the only way to properly begin the diagnostic procedure. Usually sedation or anesthesia will be required for the examination to take place. This is especially true if the tumor is on the tongue or in the back of the mouth.

Your vet may order chest x-rays to see if the cancer has spread to the lungs. This would be done before a biopsy is taken. Unless the disease is in the advanced stages and at least forty percent of the bone in the mouth is gone, x-rays may not be enough to properly diagnose. In this case, an MRI or CT scan is in order. These advanced tests will also indicate if there has been metastasis has progressed to the nasal cavities and other areas of the head of the cat.

Treatment

Oral osteosarcoma is treated with greater success then limb osteosarcoma. Surgical removal must be complete to prevent recurrence. Although there is rarely metastasis to other organs, it can reappear in the mouth. There have been no studies regarding the effectiveness of chemotherapy for oral osteosarcoma.

Home care

Perhaps the two most important factors for the cat owner is the relief of pain and maintaining adequate nutrition.

Every cat that has cancer will have pain. Medication will be prescribed by the veterinarian. Pain is debilitating. It will cause loss of appetite, energy and that spark that everyone loves to see in their cats’ eyes. With the Cat Loss of Appetite, comes Cat Loss of Weight. It is not unusual for your veterinarian to prescribe a specific [[Cat Cancer Diets]. There needs to be an increase in protein and the cats liquid consumption must be maintained as well.

Comforting your cat during this difficult time is a very important part of Cat Palliative Cancer Care. There will be times when they want you to be close and other times when they would rather be alone. By attempting to keep your cat pain free and well nourished, you will have accomplished all that you can possibly do.

Additional Cat Cancer Pages

Cat Cancer | Cat Skin Cancer | Cat Lung Cancer | Cat Pancreatic Cancer | Cat Cancer Prevention | Cat Cancer Diagnosis | Cat Gastric Cancer | Cat Lymphoma Cancer | Cat Squamous Cell Carcinoma | Cat Mouth Cancer | Cat Brain Tumor | Cat Palliative Cancer Care