Steroids, Anemia

[Coffees-and-cats]

So, Thomas got very sick about a week ago. I initially thought it was his IBD flaring up again but he got jaundiced. His red blood cell count was around 23 and he had a fever. We started him on doxycycline (which he HATES) and gave him a shot of steroids. On Monday we rechecked him, still at 23, no fever.

Thursday the fever was back, but only around 102.1. He got worse yesterday, would only eat boiled chicken tenders. This AM we gave him another steroid shot, his red blood cell count was at 22.

Since Thomas is FIV+ the vets didn't want to give him steroids right away but we're thinking we have no other option now than to try. His blood sugar on the steroid shots has been around 154, so a little higher than normal but not TERRIBLE. I'm thinking that the prednisone at this point would be better than him going through these cycles of fever and eating/not eating.

I'm pretty upset, esp bc the vet has already mentioned "quality of life" but when he gets the steroid shots he's eating and pretty much acting himself. I know that if the steroids don't do anything for the anemia then it's...I don't know. I can't really think about that being a possibility.

Has anyone had luck with their diabetic kitty on steroids? Is there something I should be suggesting/looking for? I just need a little support I guess.

Much love, Ashley and Thomas

 

[JeffJ]

Hi Ashley

I consider quality of life the prime motivator. BG of 150 is nothing to be worried about. Sometimes it is worth it to try different treatments and give them time to have effect. Summary of success for Leo.

late 2015 - diabetes, insulin started (Success #1)
late 2016 - acromegaly diagnosed, neuropathy real bad, considering "big decision"
Sept 2016 - radiation (SRT) treating acro (Success #2)
Jan 31, 2017 - neuropathy now almost non-existent, through BG regulation and B12 (Success #3)
May 2017 - stopped eating, esophagus tube installed, lost 1.5 pounds, down to 15.0 lbs
June 2017 - small cell lymphoma diagnosed, prednisolone and Leukeran (chemo) started
July 2017 - etube deinstalled because prednisolone caused major hunger and weight regained (Success #4)

Leo is on his 4th or 5th life. The prednisolone (pill) has helped a lot with appetite, and the chemo is hopefully having effect. The pred has increased BG a bit. I monitor and dose accordingly. Not a big deal, just being careful and trying to keep BG in check. In summary, it is worth trying different treatments. The hunger stimulant pills didn't do squat for Leo, but the pred sure did.

 

[Coffees-and-cats]

Thank you for your story! I guess I was concerned that maybe the vet was giving up already. If the steroid shots weren't making a difference I'd be a lot more concerned.

I'm glad to hear others have had success with pred. We've been timid on starting it but at this point I feel like we have to give it a try! This evening his appetite has been great, but I haven't been able to get a temp for him (he's feeling feisty)

 

[JeffJ]

Yeah, I get it (taking temp). Heck, I have enough trouble getting Leo to take a pill, much less going at the other end Best of luck. You are doing good treatments for Thomas.

 

[apple]

So, Thomas got very sick about a week ago. I initially thought it was his IBD flaring up again but he got jaundiced. His red blood cell count was around 23 and he had a fever. We started him on doxycycline (which he HATES) and gave him a shot of steroids. On Monday we rechecked him, still at 23, no fever.

Thursday the fever was back, but only around 102.1. He got worse yesterday, would only eat boiled chicken tenders. This AM we gave him another steroid shot, his red blood cell count was at 22.

Since Thomas is FIV+ the vets didn't want to give him steroids right away but we're thinking we have no other option now than to try. His blood sugar on the steroid shots has been around 154, so a little higher than normal but not TERRIBLE. I'm thinking that the prednisone at this point would be better than him going through these cycles of fever and eating/not eating.

I'm pretty upset, esp bc the vet has already mentioned "quality of life" but when he gets the steroid shots he's eating and pretty much acting himself. I know that if the steroids don't do anything for the anemia then it's...I don't know. I can't really think about that being a possibility.

Has anyone had luck with their diabetic kitty on steroids? Is there something I should be suggesting/looking for? I just need a little support I guess.

Much love, Ashley and Thomas

My kitty was on pres then moved to injectable dex. The Dec dis wonderful things for him. His digestive system settled, allergies chilled out, fewer hairballs, as a matter of fact he didn't throw up on the dex, his food intake was good.

We gave up the steroids as part of going off the juice.

 

[JanetNJ]

Are you also giving vitamin b 12 methylcobalamin for the anemia? Is he low on iron?

My ckd cat had an hct of 29... Not as bad as your cat, but boarderline.... Started giving b12 twice a day and in 4 weeks it was 42.