? Prednisone for pancreatitis - Pros and cons for a diabetic cat.

[PussCatPrince - GA]

The vet has asked me to read up on prednisone with a view to perhaps using this for Tyler and his pancreatitis.

Following his latest tests it seems his pancreas is rumbling again. This fits in with his general demeanour and BG numbers the past week .
We had thought maybe something was causing him pain but was more looking to the arthritis.

Can those in the know about pred please give their own opinions on this for an elderly diabetic cat please?

Also any pros and cons.

Thank you lovely people.

M

 

[Kris & Teasel]

I have no experience with this but I've read on FDMB often that you have to choose the lesser of two evils in a situation like this. The pred might well make him feel a lot better and you can work your dosing around its effect on his BGs. A lovely old gent like Ty should be as comfortable as possible so he can continue his outdoor ramblings and everything else that makes him happy.

 

[Olive & Paula]

With pancreatitis you treat symptoms, nausea, pain, fluids, lack of appetite. Will prednisone address all these? Not sure it addresses the pain and that's a big issue with pancreatitis. If the pred is given short term, there shouldn't be to much of a problem. Long term you would have to adjust the insulin dose, usually higher amount as prednisone does cause diabetes. There could be flares of p'titis going forward so managing the symptoms as soon as they start you can lessen the severity of the flare. Having the meds at home all the time you can give a soon as you see a flare starting. Another key point is to keep them eating so you can administer the insulin.

 

[PussCatPrince - GA]

@Olive & Paula
Ty doesn't particularly display nausea or lack of appetite . It was virtually during the last 18 hrs last time that he refused food.

Is there something else beside lip licking that might show nausea but he still eats?

Ty drinks well and his food always has added water etc.

Which meds please? I got the impression the pred would be short term. The vet has sent through some veterinary reports and papers for me to read up.

Not sure the pred is for pain. I think it is to calm down the pancreas but I haven't read the 'stuff' yet.

 

[Olive & Paula]

@Olive & Paula
Ty doesn't particularly display nausea or lack of appetite . It was virtually during the last 18 hrs last time that he refused food.

Is there something else beside lip licking that might show nausea but he still eats?

Ty drinks well and his food always has added water etc.

Which meds please? I got the impression the pred would be short term. The vet has sent through some veterinary reports and papers for me to read up.

Not sure the pred is for pain. I think it is to calm down the pancreas but I haven't read the 'stuff' yet.

My Smokey ate throughout pancreatitis however, it was less than normal. Sometimes he would lick the food, walk away and come back to eat in 5 minutes. Some vomit from bile or acid if they go to long without eating.

Prednisone I believe is to help with inflammation with p'titis in cats.

Cerenia is foe nausea.

Ondansetron (zofran) for nausea and vomiting. Can be given with cerenia and both work well together.

Pain meds. Smokey was given Buprenorphine. Olive probably has p'titis but the test done is not the best test for it. Dr disregards this test, but others say she has it. She was extremely uncomfortable and had abdominal pain. Dr gave us gabapentin to give if needed. IM said she definitely uncomfortable and give it 3x day. Worked very well for her. I do not know any other meds for pain. Just had her repeat labs and level has dropped almost by half.

Mirtazapine for appy stimulant is commonly used. Some people says there can be some side effects. Howling, restlessness, agitation.

Cypro is also given for appy. Not sure on side effects.

Here is a primer on it

Primer on Pancreatitis