Why is my asthmatic cat lazy & not eating after starting prednisone?

Cats are normally very resistant to the side effects of Prednisone, so the signs you are describing are very usual to see in cats. Was Elliot started on any other medications that may be causing these symptoms? I would definitely discuss any changes in his Prednisone dosing with his veterinarian. Sometimes we can get away with lower doses, but need to decrease the amounts carefully. We normally do not recommend decreasing the amount by more than 50% at a time, so decreasing from 1 mL twice daily to 0.5 mL once daily would be decreasing the dose by four times, which might be too extreme for Elliot (even after only 6 days on the steroid). The good news is that we do not tend to see heart problems with oral steroids (only injectible steroids), so you do not need to worry about heart problems with oral steroids. I hope that answered your question. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

If he was on 12mg of prednisolone for 10 days straight and then it was suddenly stopped, then yes that could be part of the problem, but its also possible that he is still ill from the original disease. I would strongly recommend that you take to your veterinarian; it would be useful to recheck a physical exam and some blood tests. They may recommend running a baseline cortisol to ensure that stopping the pred is not the cause of current symptoms. Thank you for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

There are different types of steroid shots. Long term use or high doses can affect their liver or kidneys. There has been studies that some forms can bring on a form of heart failure if already underlying with it. The do make asthma inhalers for cats that may be easier to give. If she is not eating I would have her rechecked to have blood work done and see what else is going on

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Koko. I recommend contacting her veterinarian today. She may need to be seen again. Cats can actually develop severe liver disease if they go too long without eating. So she needs to start eating soon. Subcutaneous fluids can be given under the skin to help rehydrate her as I worry that she has become dehydrated from not eating and drinking properly. Her medications may need to be altered as well. I hope this information helps!

Poor Potato! He needs to be examined by a vet right away if he is having a hard time breathing. He could have a problem with his asthma, infection, or fluid in/around his lungs. Your vet can take an x-ray to evaluate his lungs and then determine the best way to treat. He may just need an antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator, or other medications depending on the cause. Call your vet and have him examined as soon as possible.

Not eating is a very general sign of many illnesses, but I can tell you it's very serious JJ hasn't eaten in two days. If a cat doesn't eat going on 72 hours, they will develop a fatty liver which is fatal without treatment. You need to take him back into a vet immediately.

Thanks for the question. It sounds like Gregory has finished 2 days of the medication that was prescribed by your veterinarian. I would recommend finishing the prescribed medication, and then going back in for a recheck if he isn't improving. At any time if Gregory is getting worse, then don't wait to finish the medication. Often, without more testing (lab tests and x-rays) we don't know exactly what we are treating for. If Gregory is not improving, your veterinarian may recommend more testing to try and find a cause for his symptoms. I'm glad he is doing a little better so far, and I hope his appetite improves.