Yup. Paralysis by Analysis. And it seems that all medical professionals dislike patient input, whether directly or by proxy.
I don't know much about cats so I googled all my questions and came up with this summation that if getting all of the teeth removed the cat would still be able to eat. That's what is important, right?
I think so. Right now she only eats small dry food she can swallow whole, and really smooth finely ground wet food (like the pureed liver). She will not eat her old wet cat food now (Blue Buffalo) because it sticks to the roof of her mouth and her lip gets pinched trying to clear it out with her tongue. It is easy to observe and explain these things, now that I know what to look for. I don't think cats chew very much anyway. The downside is there would be a lot of pain the first couple weeks with all teeth removed, until she got used to it. But then I think she'd be fine. The sooner the better. But I can only speculate what the vet will think or what the x-rays might show. I don't know how this is going to go down with the lymphoma. If she has a year, will it be like 9 months normal, then a rapid decline? Then it would be worth it. Or will it be a slow decline in health? Then it might not. They say every situation is different. OTOH, they say stress causes the cancer to spread or multiply, or whatever it does, faster. Whatever, I'll probably be second guessing any decisions forever.
Well, to me I always go with the least expensive way to repair something first and in this instance I would just have the lower tooth removed and enjoy the time you have left with her.
I tell you what. I'll learn an app like that if it help me avoid actually arriving at a decision. The illusion of progress is close enough...
That may be the best option, anyway. I just found out they do root canals on a cat's teeth now. And dental implants, too.
Did I mention that good quality wet cat food is about the same price as Gerber baby food right now? Last night was the second round of pureed liver preparation with the old blender. This time chicken livers only. The cute little left over baby food jars are just the right size for freezing. Very strange stuff. When it dries, it sticks to plates like plaster. It costs about 35ยข a jar. However, if anyone wants to place an order, it has to remain frozen until use, and the shipping is prohibitive. I stuck it in front of her nose, but it was not the right time. Three hours later, she decided she liked it. So it's OK without the beef. It's really good to put in the pill popper tube. I keep learning new tricks. The daily ritual has provided the perfect opportunity for "bonding." ... .
Today will be the 42nd consecutive day of giving the cat a pill. On Day 33 a miracle happened. She stopped running away when you try to catch her (sort of). Never goes more than a few feet, hunkers down, until I pick her up. No squirming. As soon as it's over she's back to normal. It's not a side effect of the meds. She isn't acting sick at all. I think it's because of the steady routine---same thing, day in and day out---for so many days in a row. She just got used to it. I don't expect her to ever come running when I tell her it's time for a pill, and I reckon going to the vet may be a different story, but the daily ritual is almost fun now ( for me ). She's always been a character, a puzzle, and a sweetheart, when she takes a mind to be. (1/17/24)