Prednisolone - how soon did you see a difference

[Wanderlust54]

Hi, nearly 14 year old cat had full bloods and an ultrasound for loss of appetite and resulting weight loss. Bloods clear but abdomen scan indicates possible IBD or lymphoma. We have decided not to have full surgery for biopsy given her age and stress levels, and as treatment for both appears to be prednisolone. Ultimately issue is whether her appetite improves so she has quality fo life, as she otherwise appears well.

2 doses of steroids so far (nightmare as she is v agressive re pills so eventually found she’d eat it in tuna water). Interested to know how long it takes to see a difference (if at all) for either IBD or lymphoma? Thanks alot

For me, the moment my vet says try some steroids for quality of life is the time I am going to start thinking about PTS .

My experience of human medicine is they work, if they are going to, within a couple of days.

In human Palliative care steroids are often considered for quality of life. My experience is they often don't work, if they do work it's not as well or for as long as you were hoping. And all the side effects build up.

My experience of having a poorly elderly cat was being offered a series of things that didn't work when I would have preferred an honest conversation and a planned PTS, I look back and don't think the cat appreciated it at all.

Thank you @AnnaMagnani yes I agree. Not doing the biopsy surgery wasn’t even suggested and I don’t think that was right for starters. I think it’s worth giving this a shot but yes of her appetite doesn’t improve I will have a decision to make. Last night she was playing with her toy mouse hanging from the banisters so it’s hard to know right now. Of course it may be IBD so it’s hard to know where this is going.

I agree. I think cats are kept going far too long in many cases. They are so good at hiding their pain and discomfort. I'd be preparing for PTS

My girl had prednisone for the same issue. Her ultrasound was very abnormal She went down hill within two days of starting them. My first thought was to stop them, but I suddenly realised that it was time. Part of me wanted to carry on, for the two weeks. But realistically we were only delaying the inevitable.

My vet was adamant they didn't want to do a biopsy. And neither did I. I knew deep down that it was the end.

Thanks everyone. @Toddlerteaplease sorry to hear you went though the same thing. In my head I am planning to see where we are by end of weekend (assuming no worse before then). If no change after 5 days of meds then I think decision made, as I get impression that would be time for them to work if they’re going to . Appreciate the replies .

Our cat was on pred for the same, he didn't get any better but didn't get any worse for a while. He'd lost so much weight down to 2.7kg that we refused biopsies as I didn't think he'd survive the anesthetic even though he was a only 7. A couple of months later he started having fits and they thought the lymphoma had spread to his brain so we made the decision to PTS as he was fitting multiple times a day

So sorry @Iamme2023 x

Mine was on this drug for months. The vet found something unusual in her abdomen but we collectively decided not to investigate or treat it. The vet advised that she may not have long (implying days) but that it was worth a try. She went on for months! And had the best summer ever - eating all the lovely food, sunning herself in her favourite spots, catching the odd mouse, sleeping on our laps.... every time we took her for a check, the vet was amazed how well she was doing and was happy to continue treatment. And then one day she just wasn't herself, and we knew the time had come. We didn't delay and had a peaceful, planned end the next day.

It was a total wonder drug for us. I know cats are good at masking pain, but we were in no doubt that our lovely girl had a lovely last few months. We always knew when something was up/she was in pain, and she was so content all those months.

If it doesn't work for you quite quickly, I'd say it's better todo the right thing for her. As soon as we saw a change, we acted straight away.

Thanks@TheTripThatWasnt and lovely to hear she had a final summer like that.

So would you say it worked almost immediately ?

As per orignal question - it’s now day 5 of prednisolone. My understanding is that if it was going to have a noticeable effect on appetite it would have happened by now? Thanks

In humans totally. Your vet could tell you if the same for cats.

Am sorry for you and your cats.

Thanks. It’s genuinely really difficult because she is still quite active and it’s just the appetite . This limbo and being unsure is I think the worst part. I would cope better if I could make a clear decision as I have for pets in the past . We have had to give up trying to get the pill into her as she’s so stressed and aggressive about it. Mostly managed to crush it on some tuna water or food but it’s proving difficult.

I’ve used liquid pred before.