Feline Oral Cancer Treatments

Feline oral cancer is an uncommon, deadly condition. Symptoms of feline oral cancer include swelling, bleeding or drooling of the mouth, lack of appetite and lack of grooming. Veterinary treatment is required to give your cat the best possible chance of surviving oral cancer. There are different treatment options for the condition, and your veterinarian may choose to try a combination of treatments for your cat.

  1. Chemotherapy

    • The drugs used in chemotherapy kill the cancerous cells that cause oral cancer. Only experienced veterinarians can administer the drugs, as they are very potent. Side effects of chemotherapy include severe nausea and vomiting, diarrhea and weakness. A low white blood cell count is another side effect that leads to decreased immunity against other illnesses. This treatment is often combined with others in this article as an effective treatment for feline oral cancer.

    Radiation

    • This treatment involves using high levels of radiation to dramatically shrink tumors. Radiation is a good treatment for tumors that are hard to reach or cannot be reached surgically. The tumors involved with feline oral cancer are often located in the roof of the mouth or deep into the gum tissue, and can be impossible to reach surgically, making radiation a good option. After anesthesizing the cat, a veterinarian focuses the radiation machine directly on the tumor to apply radiation. Some types of radiation can also be injected into a cat's body to treat the tumor. Radiation therapy is often used in conjunction with chemotherapy to provide effective oral cancer treatment.

    Surgery

    • Surgery is the most effective form of treatment for feline oral cancer. Surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy makes the treatment even more effective. Surgery involves cutting the tumor out of your cat's mouth when possible, therefore stopping it from growing and spreading.

    Nutrition

    • This treatment is often overlooked as an important step in aiding your cat's recovery from cancer. Providing your cat with good, well-rounded nutrition helps your cat stay strong while it copes with the cancer and the harsh treatments. It also helps your cat fend off other illnesses while its immune system is compromised. Cats with oral cancer often cannot taste foods as well as healthy cats, so strong-smelling foods are necessary to entice your cat to eat.