They say that a good veterinarian is worth his/her weight in gold, and I’m glad to say that my vet experience, so far has been good "vet karma". I am here to share my story, hopefully it can help.
In July 2018 I was diagnosed with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. During teeth cleaning my Vet found the tumor being the lower canine teeth and sent it off for biopsy, which came back cancerous. We were immediately referred to a surgeon who specializes in this field.
The consultation with surgeon was overwhelming and informative. Basically our options were a mandibulectomy, or do nothing.
M a n d-a what? I don't know about you but I had never heard of this word and had absolutely no idea this type of thing existed.
But first a CT scan was needed in order to evaluate cancer location. We were told there is an option to opt out of the CT scan for economical purposes though medically it is not advised. We chose to go ahead with the CT scan the following day hoping the cancer is contained behind lower two
Well that did not happen. Results were a bit of a blow to my already hysterical mom. The cancer was not only behind the front lower canine as anticipated, it had spread to left side as well. Even though we had bad news, we were glad that we did the CT scan and better informed for surgery. My lower jaw was beginning to split and time was not on our side. We had to take the surgery path quick or it will be too late to operate. This was not an easy case, and taking everything into consideration, economics aside:
1. I am 12 years old with high liver enzyme-possibly cushing’s disease
2. I would need clean margins post surgery
3. There is a strong possibility this cancer would return.
Surgery was scheduled and before you know it I was in recovery. I spent one night at the hospital, and the nurses did a great job texting my mom pictures of me and my progress. That night I was able to walk a few times, and pretty much slept the rest. The next day I was fed baby food and had couple more walks until they busted me out of there. It’s always nice to be home.
Now let’s talk recovery!
I arrived home extremely medicated. First few days’ drinking water was tough and MESSY to say the least. I ate baby food from baby spoon (love the chicken vegetable) My mom would feed me with the spoon and slowly lower it into the bowl so I would eventually lick from the bowl. After three or four days I was fed small cubes of steak. My mom would slides them into my mouth from the side. It was all trial and error at that time. We were experimenting with different consistencies of meats, and for me the steak worked best.
Day 4: In process of eating by myself I busted some stitches so we had to go into the clinic where they stapled the open wound. Looking back I would advise to hand feed until stitches heal so this is prevented.
Day 5: Would opened again, and this time Doctor prescribed antibiotics to help with healing process.
wound opened during eating
Can we say Best News Ever!
The following week my stitches are removed and I am happy to be alive and loving every minute of it.
4 weeks post surgery:
I eat and drink on my own, and much less mess as well. I drool a little, but it’s manageable. I actively walk three times per day. If anything, it is now clear to my mom how much happier I am. I no longer shy away from her when she wants to kiss my face and I do not turn away from food or lick my paws. I look cute as ever and my tongue hangs out a wee bit. Most people can't tell that I look different.
So happy I had this surgery as recovery was not bad at all.
Here are some post surgery pictures :
4 weeks post surgery.