Prednisolone -use in weight loss

[Roseycrest]

Hi,
I have mentioned in the past that my cat Buttercup was losing weight. I did decline an exploratory lap and endoscopy. She's almost 16 yrs. The Tila ( sp) test was slightly abnormal. Occasionally, she has gained some weight back. But now, we decided to go with empirical prednisolone.
I am told that cats tolerate this pretty well. Anyone have any experience with this med in cats? I know to look for the usual signs of steroid side effects, but just was wondering what people's experiences have been. She'll be on it for a month and then sees the Vet again. After 3 days, it seems that eating has picked up.
Thanks. Marlene and Buttercup >^..^<

[Traci]

Marlene, have you had bloodwork done for Buttercup since September? If not, I would suggest to do so, to see if there are any changes. I still can't comprehend why your vet wouldn't do an x-ray or dicuss an ultrasound with you, these are both non-invasive procedures and should shed some light on what the problem may be. Without these diagnostics, your vet is only guessing, which could be delaying vital treatment for Buttercup. I still strongly recommend seeking a new opinion from a new feline-only vet.

As for the prednisone, you really should get a new blood profile done to detect any changes since September before starting pred. If the bloodwork is normal, the x-ray and/or ultrasound would be more definitive in deciding the necessity for the use of the pred. Empirical use is fine for some conditions, but at this point, you have no confirmed diagnosis. This is where a second opinion would be helpful to determine if pred is indicated or perhaps even contraindicated for a specific condition.

If the TLI is still abnormal, your vet needs to be focusing on why it is abnormal, is it connected to IBD or is it related to pancreatic episodes, etc. If your vet isn't persuing this with you or explaining things to you, you can do better with a more experienced vet. Your vet suspected IBD, but has she initiated a correct dietary approach, discussed typical IBD treatment with you, etc?

While prednisone is generally well-tolerated in cats, it can have specific side effects depending on the condition being treated. Also, it must be dosed judiciously based on bloodwork, monitored for side effects, and should NEVER be suddenly ceased unless in a critical situation that warrants cessation. Tapering the dose to lower levels is preferred, and long term use must be carefully evaluated, and monitored carefully.

Please talk to your vet in more detail about Buttercup, her bloodwork and working on getting to a conclusive diagnosis so that you are able to treat it most effectively....or seek a second opinion altogether (which I strongly advise). But, if you are declining further diagnostics, your vet or a new vet won't be able to help much further, you have to have the desire to proceed with the diagnostics in order to get a real diagnosis and effective treatment plan.

[Auntie Debbie]

I hope isn't using the pred just as an appetite enhancer. I'm lost on his reason for the pred with no real substantial diagnosis. I've used pred on one of my cats due to inflammation with an ear infection. As Traci said, you must taper off the pred so the cat's body can produce the hormones on its own again. Pred can increase the appetite and also create more thirst. I would follow Traci's advice and maybe get a second opinion. I hope Buttercup will be okay!

[Roseycrest]

Thanks for your concerns Traci and Debbie. Buttercup did have 2 complete bloodworkups in 2004-all negative. My Vet is an all feline one and has taken care of Buttercup for 15 years. She is not happy with me that I chose this way to go but wants to do as much as she can for the kitty. She says that she has seen many cases of this. Buttercup does not do well with procedures, which is also why I dont want to stress her further in searching for a dx. She is very shy. Having chosen this route, I just want to make sure that I dont miss any side effects or concerns in taking the pred.
Thank you again,
Marlene and Buttercup