Re: Tom starting Prednisolone tonight - anything I need to k
Some good suggestions in this thread. I'm sorry you're dealing with this for Tom.
One thing not mentioned is its effect on insulin management. Your spreadsheet link isn't complete in your signature and since I have not read previous posts (that link is incomplete too - select URL) from the format list right above the text box and put the link inside it) I don't know what insulin you're using.
Most likely his BGs are going to go up - way up. ECID, but I am currently managing Gandalf's BG on prednisolone (1/3rd 5mg tablet BID) and his insulin, Levemir, has completely lost its duration. If I can give insulin every 8 hours, it's not so bad, he doesn't get above 300 and frequently stays in the low 200s or mid 100s. I cannot do that on a regular basis, however, so if you look at our spreadsheet, keep that in mind. It's also why I put the +hour numbers in each cell following a shot, to help me keep track.
I'm not sure what others have experienced with FDs on prednisolone, but I noticed the loss of duration right away. This may be typical with Levemir and/or Lantus and not other insulins, I don't really know. I suspect it's similar on all insulins. And in the cases of cats being treated for carcinomas with pred - it's not as simple as raising their dose. Gandalf's dose is down to .25U now. If I give .5U he drops like a stone and I don't want that, he's barely eating as well. So managing insulin for cancer kitties is a challenge, which is why I thought I would address it in your thread.
Also, there may be reasons to increase or decrease the pred dose. I had to do that with Gandalf. The vet wanted us to taper back to half a tablet every other day and he declined quickly. Like with the insulin you give the dose of pred. which maintains their comfort. 2.5mg BID was a good place to start.
Hope this helps. Hugs for all you're going through for him. I understand how you feel.
