Side effects from Prednisone??? Update Post 18; cute pics post 12

[Freedom]

Over time, prednisone will cause kidney damage in both humans AND cats. That is what brought on Amber's kidney failure. He died at age 8, after almost 4 years of prednisone, 5mg once per day, which he was taking for a spinal injury. I just never knew to ask if there was something else at the time.

[Catty1]

Mom took Pyka into the vet first thing. They have a surgery spot open - Pyka has to have a general because the hematoma on his ear has hardened.

I hope they can find something else for Pyka to use. Maybe - if his sneezing has stopped - take him off the Pred for a while?

Freedom...thanks for the reminder...I am so sorry that happened to Amber, and a relatively low dose too...

Pyka is very hyper on it, and hides, and doesn't eat - so I hope there is something else!

[Catty1]

Surgery is over already, and went well. Vet is doing a blood panel as Pyka has not had one done since 2003. It's for Feline Leukemia, and I hope he doesn't have that.

Mom is thinking that since the sneezing has stopped, to just stop all meds for several days and see how he does. The vet thinks Pyka's fear and hiding behaviour is from the hematoma.

Thanks for your prayers - this poor guy has been the sickly of the two, never really BAD - but enough to cost a couple of hundred per visit (this one was $600! )

Pyka is the one stretched out in the sun in the first one; his littermate Shiney is in the second. They're each about 7 lbs.

[Medusa]

My dog Charmin was on Prednisone nearly all her life and she lived to be 18 1/2. She never had a problem w/it. I had to go on it on occasion and I can tell you that aside from gaining weight, it affected my balance and coordination, which could explain Pyka's crashing to the floor when attempting to jump on the countertop.

[Catty1]

Thanks, Mary - that's good to know!

Pyka will be home about 5:30 MT, and Mom will call to let me know how he is. They are keeping him to rehydrate him as much as possible - poor kitty!

Hopefullly this will all mean a turn for the better.

[Freedom]

Ok, sounds like Pyka could be on the mend now and that's so good to hear! Start slowly, Pyka, no need to start bouncing around all at once!

[Catty1]

Update - he does NOT like his collar; will be on just one tab of Prednisone...he has to go back every Thursday for the next 4 weeks to get stents and stitches out.

Poor Pyka - but poor Mom, she just loves both boys, and I know she is worried and stressed!

Please - major PT Prayers for Pyka and my mom!!!