Squinty eye cat- Squamous cell carcinoma of the eyelid? experiences anyone?

[shayaalliard]

Spot, my orange tiger cat had a bit of squinting and some discharge from one eye. It started monday, and didn’t improve by tuesday, so we went to the vet today. I expected to hear that he had scratched his eye or eyelid.

The vet found what he believes is a SQC tumor inside the eyelid. It is rubbing on the eye, and causing the irritation. He said we can try antibiotics for a week on the off chance it is actually swelling from an injury, but seemed to think it is unlikely to improve.

I am to go back in a week if the eye ointment has not made it better. I expect that it will not, so I’m trying to learn about my options if not.

The vet offered biopsy and chemo as being possible, but seemed very hesitant about them actually helping. He said and I agree, it is just a really bad spot for a tumor.

I know I;m jumping ahead a couple steps, but I’m worrying. Spot is a shelter cat, age unknown (guessing6-8), but has always been an old man since I’ve know him. He is very dignified, HATES his head messed with, even to pet him. I’ve had him since August 2011.

IF he has cancer, what should I do? Money is tight, but I have care credit. If treatment is in his best interest, I can do it, but the vet seems to think it isn;t worth it. Do I just make him comfortable? Can I even make him comfortable? He is still eating and hanging out, but his eye looks awful- it can;t feel good. It seems wrong to just euth him when he is still beggin for treats? I don’t want to lose him, but I don;t want to torture him.

Spot, his first day home:
https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t31.0-8/s720x720/341020_267570439939121_756655_o.jpg

[Chall]

There was a thread recenty on a horse with a type of cancer that effectedhis eyes, and he fot a shot thathelped It may not be the same cancer type, but I was surprised to read anything helped cancer.
i will look for it.

[Chall]

Here it is, http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?427176-Melanoma-Oncept-the-adventure-begins-!!!-Update-Post-43

[TigerTrick]

There’s always the option to remove the the eye and lid completely. I know it sounds drastic, but can be curative.

[shayaalliard]

from what I am reading online, average survival with treatment is 7 months +/- from diagnosis, with one cat still alive 24 months later. I did see eye removal listed as an option, and the idea doesn’t bother me, but it seems it can still spread/come back?

[SquishTheBunny]

My old barn cat had squamous cell carcinoma of the eyelid. We removed it, and followed with chemo. He did very well, lived almost 2 years. It was caught early, which was the most important thing and the chemo slowed the progression of growing back. It never came back in his eyelid. For him, it was worth it as he lived a long, and great quality life afterwards.

Either way you choose isn’t wrong. Maybe start with a FNA of the mass to see what you are infact dealing with. If its not neoplastic, that should make the decision much easier

[shayaalliard]

Thanks everyone, squish most especially. He is still squinty as of today, so biopsy is probably going to be the next step. I;m calling the vet with an update monday.

[SquishTheBunny]

Good luck and jingles for a positive outcome!!

[shayaalliard]

Well,
Spot’s eye began to improve a few days later, so the vet extended our antibiotics, and now, he is no longer squinting!!! So (fingers crossed) I think he will be ok.

[CrowneDragon]

[QUOTE=shayaalliard;7513603]
Well,
Spot’s eye began to improve a few days later, so the vet extended our antibiotics, and now, he is no longer squinting!!! So (fingers crossed) I think he will be ok.[/QUOTE]
Yay! I hope it stays that way. Love a simple fix, especially when you are preparing for the worst.

[SquishTheBunny]

Excellent!!! Here’s hoping it continues to improve!