Expert: Becky - 8/10/2004

Question
Hi there Becky,
I am sure you will be able to help me but I thought I would try. I have tried everything else.
I relocated to Tn from NC. When we came I noticed after about 3 months being here that my cat's lip was swollen. I took her to the vet. They told me she either had cancer or it was tartar. They gave her a shot and sent her home with some medicine. After about 2 weeks her lip went down as if nothing were wrong with it. I would say about a month later. The other lip started to swell. I took her to another vet and was not told what it could it be but was given meds to have her take. I explained what I had already been told about her by the other vet but that didnt seem to matter. This time the meds did not help her. Her lip is still swollen. It really doesn't seem to effect her, but I feel she would eat better if it was not so swoll. I had her fixed about 4 months ago and she seems fine. But I fear that it is something serious. Do you have any advice for me. It would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your time,
Dora

Answer
Hi Dora,
I also live in Tn.... Knoxville.  Sometimes cat get a sore on their mouth and it's not serious, more like a form of acne, but that is usually on males.  When you take her to a vet,  be sure to ask questions.  If I were you, I would call the vet that last saw her, tell him/her that it is not better and that you want to know what can be done?  Keep in mind though, that testing could be expensive, so I would be sure to find out prices before you have anything done.  It surprises me that they suggest cancer as a possiblity, yet did not offer to check further.  If they suspected tartar, did they look in her mouth?  If thats the problem, then her teeth can be cleaned to remove it.  If you decide to take her to the vet again, don't leave until you have an answer or at least until they do something about it.   If not, go to another vet.  I wish you best of luck

God Bless,
Becky