Pred use in diabetic cat - crossposting from LL

[joyce-tuscany(GA)]

Tuscany has some on going issues - head tilt, bobblehead, poor vision, increase weakness, off balance (but not falling now). There has been minimal improvement - Tympanic membrane is red - Has been on baytril, an antihistamine and steroid ear drops for about 1 week. recheck at vets today - now suggesting pred oral use for 1-2 weeks. I have questions for any of you who have used pred on your sugar cats. Please see my lantus land condo: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=7609 Thanks!

 

[Gia and Quirk]

Joyce, if steroids are needed they trump diabetes. Work the insulin around the steroids and don't sweat it.

 

[Jujukitty]

I just wanted to say I feel your pain on the steroid use. I was told that my cat could lose his eye to glaucoma, lens luxation, etc. if I didn't treat with steroids at least in a minimal dose. He was only on topical, not oral, and it still whacked his BG out. It's been a PITA (for both of us) having my once well-regulated cat become harder to manage, but it was a trade-off I felt I had to make. His recent fructosamine test said he's barely in the "good regulation" category, so I guess we're making some progress.

 

[joyce-tuscany(GA)]

thanks all for the responses here and on lantusland. Tuscany had neuro appt this week. He felt that most likely it was a peripheral issue - not a brain/brainstem issue. He felt that the steroids were probably not going to do anything to help (especially since after 4 days it didn't seem like it was changing a thing). So we were able to stop the steroids, stop the antibiotics etc. Sugars are coming back down some. The neurologist also said that the head tilt would probably last - her unsteadiness would probably slowly improve or be compensated for.
All in all was a reassuring visit. Everyone kept saying that she looked good for her age (17). Of course there was the one caution of - but if she does quickly get worse it could be a more serious issue ....