My Simba is gone - Catfood update from Cancer Vet

My last beloved and last of the Pride Simba is gone. 16 years old + and 2+ years in Diabetic remission.
He died of a cancer tumor in his mouth. I spoke with the Vet cancer specialist and wanted to share with the community. I transitioned Simba into remission via mostly all are doing with BG testing, insulin shots and can cat food.

I was told that the cancer "May" have developed from the can cat food so they recommend cats eat both, not just can food, but kibble also.

He remained in diabetic remission up to the end. He was euthanized when the doctor suggested feeding tubes be inserted into his throat for an indetermined period until the biopsy came back and while he was unable to eat bacause of the huge tumor under his tongue. He was drooling, losing weight fast and his beautiful blonde coat of fur was unkempt and dirty. Still he was loving and showed no pain while he wasted away while I made appointments all over town to so many vets to get him seen. His kidney function and heart murmur was catching up heading to 17 years of age. The doc called while he was under anesthesia asking me permission to insert a throat feeding tube and I decided through heaving sobbing on the phone to not wake him up and let him go and not put him through that. The vet said it was the compassionate thing to do for him. I miss him so much I am still crying days later and even as I write this 3 days later. I wanted to come back and again thank you all who helped me get him past the Diabetes. He was one of the few or 17% as I understand it who actually remain in remission. I could not have done it alone and without the help of the 6 or so people who walked me thru with him. You know who you are. It gave us that many more years together. He was the last of my 4 cat pride - we all aged into geriatric together but I am left standing now. Alone. They were all great cats but Simba was my one in a million. This is the first time in over 32 years I don't have a cat in the house, let alone a Pride.

 

I am so very sorry for your loss. The mouth cancers can be aggressive and brutal to watch run their course. I truly believe you did the most loving and kind thing for Simba by letting him go. I too watched a very special cat succumb to such cancer. There’s rarely a good outcome for the oral cancers—despite whatever treatment and efforts we might try.

It’s extra hard saying goodbye to the last member of the crew. Just know that you did right by Simba, and I’m sure he felt loved to the end. My thoughts are with you.

 

It is always hard to loose a cat. I feel for you.

Regarding oral SCC, which is likely what Simba had it is not clar what the cause(s). I found this
https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/feline-oral-squamous-cell-carcinoma/:

"Feline oral squamous cell carcinoma (FOSCC) is the most common oral tumor in cats, accounting for 70% to 80% of all oral tumors.1 Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) arises from the normal squamous epithelium of the oral cavity.

"RISK FACTORS
"The underlying cause of carcinogenesis is unknown, but potential risk factors include:

• Feeding of canned foods, particularly canned tuna
• Use of flea collars
• Cigarette smoke exposure.

"In a study2 evaluating these risk factors, cats that consumed canned food had a 3.6× increased risk for oral SCC, while those that consumed canned tuna had a 4.7× increased risk. The proposed mechanism for this association has been an increased rate of dental disease or differences in food content, but further studies are needed.

"Use of flea collars was associated with a 5.3× increased risk for oral SCC, possibly due to oral carcinogen exposure during grooming.2

"A common genetic cause may be the loss or mutation of the p53 tumor suppressor gene, which helps regulate the cell cycle in the presence of DNA damage. Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke has been associated with a 4.5× increased risk for p53 mutation on FOSCC biopsy results.3

"Human papillomavirus is a risk factor for head and neck SCC in humans, but no association has been made with FOSCC.4"

 

So sorry to hear it was Simba's time to leave you. No matter how long we have them, it's never long enough.

Remember though, you might be physically alone, but the spirits of your pride are still close. The ties that bind us in life remain after death....as long as they are lovingly remembered, they're still alive in your heart.

Fly free sweet Simba and land softly. Send a signal that let's your heartbroken bean know that you're happy, healthy and waiting for the day when you'll be together again forever

 

I am so sorry for your loss. Making the decision to let a pet cross the bridge is never easy.

Fly free Simba and watch over everyone who loves you.

 

I'm so so sorry for your loss, fly high sweet Simba ♥