Prednisolone Side Effects

[admin]

dr per...what are the long-term side effects of prednisolone in cats? Taj has been on Prednisolone and Flagyl for almost two years...I have managed to wean him completely off for the first time and he is back to acting like the kitten he used to be...it is great to see...so the question is...does Prednisolone depress cats - Taj slept most of the day and did not seem interested in anything but going out...he is now back to playing, talking and running around...

Does Prednisolone cause liver damage in cats? His LFT's are elevated.

Thanks

 

[Per Lausund]

Ms admin, since we are being all formal,
there are plenty of them, the most important being Cushing's syndrome which is rare in cats. For once Wikipedia was good: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cushing's_syndrome is an article worth reading.
Adrenal insufficiency when reducing and quitting after long-time use is also a potential problem, it is usual and advisable to reduce dosages gradually over weeks to give the adrenal glands (mineral balance, hydration, etc) time to regain function.
The most important aspect of long-time use is the immunosuppressive effect which is a tough thing to counter. This may be one of the factors that reduce liveliness while on steroids, the patient is slightly ill the whole time, in addition to the effects on skin, muscle etc.
I prefer to not use them except at knock-out doses (for the immune system) over very short periods. You are very lucky if prolonged use does not cause problems, so give Taj an extra hug!

 

[Per Lausund]

Oh, and I almost forgot: if liver function tests show elevated enzme activity I would suspect the Flagyl is to blame rather than the pred.

p

 

[WitchyWoman]

Per, is there anything else to use instead of prednisolone. My 18 yr old DSH has been on it for a few years because of inflammatory bowel disease. If I wean her totally off, she starts vomiting. She's on a low dose every other day but I sure wish she didn't have to take it.

 

[Per Lausund]

Per, is there anything else to use instead of prednisolone. My 18 yr old DSH has been on it for a few years because of inflammatory bowel disease. If I wean her totally off, she starts vomiting. She's on a low dose every other day but I sure wish she didn't have to take it.

Sometimes you have to use them, and they are life-savers. I'd stick to what works! sorry!

 

[admin]

Per, is there anything else to use instead of prednisolone. My 18 yr old DSH has been on it for a few years because of inflammatory bowel disease. If I wean her totally off, she starts vomiting. She's on a low dose every other day but I sure wish she didn't have to take it.

deborah, my vet mentioned another drug with less side effects, but I cannot remember the name...I will find out. Taj also has IBD and we put him on a higher does 3 times a week, then went to twice a week and then once a week and he has been off meds for almost a month..he has always relapsed, but I think he may actually be over the hump now - at least I hope so...