Ladybug update/med question

[ladybug991]

Hello!

Ladybug is doing pretty well and is eating kidney food 1/2-3/4 cup a day (200-275 cal). Weight is stable and breathing seems pretty good.

She has a long history that I can’t explain here but she has HCM with heart failure when she was on Prednisolone. Previously had adrenal tumor removed.

She is currently on dieuretics twice a day, clopidogrel once a day, and Budesonide 1 mg once a day. Since starting the Budesonide she seems rounder in the belly but hasn’t gained weight. Xrays and ultrasound show no fluid in lungs and the vet says she appears normal. I am kinda concerned about this but specialist vet says Budesonide can change weight distribution. I’m just worried because it has increased her appetite and made it more consistent but I don’t want to give her an unnecessary drug since she hasn’t officially been diagnosed with IBD. She keeps getting rounder in the tummy without gaining weight. I’m now seeing a regular vet with 20 years experience who I like and who heads her practice as I can’t afford the specialist vet so frequently. Neither vet wants me to reduce or stop the Budesonide or seem concerned but it’s weird to me how round she’s getting.

Does anyone have experience with this? Bug has a recheck echo in May and I’ve been instructed to watch her breathing until then. In Jan she had clear X-rays and ultrasound. In Feb she had good blood work. I just wanna be careful with her. Overall I’d say she’s good but I would like to hear if anyone has had cats with heart disease on Budesonide. Thanks! Also wondering if it’s worth it to do a virtual consult with the specialist vet about her blood work and considering going off or reducing the Budesonide. But I’m pretty sure they will say the same as the other vet. And if it is helping her I don’t wanna stop it. The change in weight distribution couple also be from the Gi kidney food (Royal canin renal HP). She has high normal kidney values.

I also reduced her diuretics slightly because I switched to pill form but her breathing while sleeping is 24-32 so that’s ok.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

My Neko had heart disease and was on budesonide. At one point we did taper it down a bit. It was a liquid, so easy to reduce the dose. Neko did have thickened intestines, and probable small cell lymphoma. She couldn't have a biopsy cause her heart wouldn't allow it. The budesonide did reduce the intestinal thickening some. What led to the possible diagnosis of Bug's IBD? Does she have food allergies? GI symptoms?

A pot belly is a common symptom of Cushings.

 

[ladybug991]

My Neko had heart disease and was on budesonide. At one point we did taper it down a bit. It was a liquid, so easy to reduce the dose. Neko did have thickened intestines, and probable small cell lymphoma. She couldn't have a biopsy cause her heart wouldn't allow it. The budesonide did reduce the intestinal thickening some. What led to the possible diagnosis of Bug's IBD? Does she have food allergies? GI symptoms?

A pot belly is a common symptom of Cushings.

That’s the thing is they just suspected ibd based on her appetite changes and nausea but I’m not so sure she has it. Honestly I think she’s gotten too big on the steroids but since her appetites increased neither vet will agree to tapering it down. I’m so stressed about it. I’m so worried I have her on it for no reason .

 

[ladybug991]

The kidney food seems to be a fave though. I am considering a consult with the IM again to see if she would be ok reducing budsomide and if there’s a negative response we can increase? Maybe I haven’t been as insistent about it as I could be.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

they just suspected ibd based on her appetite changes and nausea but I’m not so sure she has it.

There are other possible conditions that can cause these symptoms. Had her thyroid been checked? Has she had an ultrasound of her bowels? Small cell lymphoma is another condition that can look like IBD until a biopsy is done. Is Ladybug vomiting or having diarrhea? Is her weight steady or losing weight?

 

[ladybug991]

There are other possible conditions that can cause these symptoms. Had her thyroid been checked? Has she had an ultrasound of her bowels? Small cell lymphoma is another condition that can look like IBD until a biopsy is done. Is Ladybug vomiting or having diarrhea? Is her weight steady or losing weight?

No bowel ultrasound but her thyroid hormones are normal. No vomiting or diarrhea. Weight steady and has even gained a little. No real other symptoms.

 

[ladybug991]

No bowel ultrasound but her thyroid hormones are normal. No vomiting or diarrhea. Weight steady and has even gained a little. No real other symptoms.

She was on appetite stimulants and is now not now that she’s on the steroids. I just think she’s too big on them. I’m frustrated because the vets both won’t let me reduce them. I’m scared to reduce it on my own.