On my third cat in a row now with small cell. She's been in remission for over two years on prednisolone daily and a mild chemo pill every 2 weeks. Neko wasn't properly diagnosed because her heart was not strong enough at the time to take anaesthesia, so it was best guess of the internal medicine vet based on ultrasounds. Third cat had an endoscopy which was a fairly quick in and out procedure. An endoscopy can do the diagnosis, depending on where in the intestine the thickening is occurring. And I agree with Elise, it's better to know what you are dealing with, so you can treat properly. The treatments are different. With the right treatment protocol, chances of remission are quite high for small cell lymphoma. If it's IBD, often switching to novel protein diets and a good probiotic will do the trick.
Neko did budesonide instead of prednisolone, again because her heart could not take pred. Plus budesonide is more locally acting on the GI and for many cats does not impact the blood sugar. It didn't for Neko, where pred usually means you have to increase the dose to compensate.
Have you tried foods without chicken? Maybe something other than poultry, like lamb, venison, rabbit? Chicken is a common allergen.
Thank you for your reply. It is terrible. I want what is best for Sassy. I couldn't make decision right then there regarding endoscopy and biopsy. I wish I could say $ no object but $3000 to biopsy. So many variables to consider. How does one make this decision without feeling they are helping or hurting their beloved cat? I am in tears.
She has had weight loss three weeks, 9.7 to 7.8 in six days from vet visit, had abdomen bloating. Dr. Sue cancer vet says if already with syptoms, which Sassy has had diarrhea for at least two weeks every day, weight loss I am wondering what could her prognosis be. I know no one knows answer for sure. that is what makes this so hard. Do I try prolong her life without quality? She is such a sweetie.
I have her ultrasound and bloodwork results if anyone is interest in looking. I can post or email.
Was given prednisone to treat if IBD and my vet said it could also treat lymphoma. I understand how BG's higher with Prednisone. I will continue to test.
I read your reply of prednisolone and why Neko received budesonide.
I called vet this a.m. awaiting call back to ask for prednisolone.
Sassy ate when back home at 5:00 pm 1 can FF, fed 3 hours later and ate 1/2 FF, watched her drink water three x's. Slept near me all night . Woke up 4 am fed Sassy again and she ate 1/2 FF. (do not have rabbit or venison) do you recommend a brand?
Gave her prednisone liquid on her small portion of food because she would not keep mouth open and didn't want to lose liquid and she ate all of food at 7:30 am. trying to give 2 hours before insulin.
Gave .2 Lantus this am with food and thank goodness she ate and no vomit.
Diarrhea 2'xs this morning. One soft and liquidy and other liquid poop. Vet says 7 days on prednisone and should see if helping.
Any advise?
I truly thank you all for being there and guiding me with your advise. It is invaluable.
