My cat has external tumors. Should I continue steroids or pain meds?

Given her age, steroid side effects from long term use tend to become less of a risk if the benefits are clearly improving her quality of life. Depending on the nature of the growth, low level chemotherapy medications may provide an opportunity to halt growth or even reduce the mass but this would require assessment by a specialist

Poor Kitty! Since she is already 17 years old and she is having such a tough time with her inflammation in her GI tract, I think steroids will be the best choice for her. If her blood work looks okay now, then I think she can tolerate the steroids. Unfortunately, if you don't put her on steroids the lymphoma or IBD may continue to get worse. It is true the steroids will not CURE lymphoma, but it certainly give her a better quality of life right now. It could keep the IBD under control and eventually you may be able to decrease her steroid dose to a lower dose. The concerns of long term steroids are much lower since she is already geriatric. If she was 4 or 7 years old, then I would be much more worried with starting her on long term steroids at that time. At the age of 17, our goal is to give Kitty are good quality of life. If you want more options about the lymphoma and interested in seeing an oncologist, I would ask your vet for a referral for a oncology consult. I hope this helps!

His response to the steroid injection may be more indication that he does have lymphoma. Prednisone, a steroid, is commonly used in conjunction with a chemotherapeutic agent to treat lymphoma in cats. The steroid will decrease inflammation which may reduce his symptoms. Consider a consult with a veterinary oncologist to discuss testing for a definitive diagnosis after which treatment, if you choose, can begin.

It's likely the pain medication making Tiger act like his normal self. This will take away his pain and keep him comfortable. Unfortunately this won't be a permanent change, and there will likely be a point where he goes downhill again. Enjoy this time with him now, but I would be ready to say goodbye at some point soon. I know you will never be truly ready, but you should be prepared. It will be what is best for him. I'm sorry you are in this position. I hope this helps.

Survival is only good for Sox, if she has a good quality of life. Not eating well is a sign of not feeling well. She also may be in pain. I think you should ask her (observe her) whether she feels well enough to go on. Your kitty will tell you when it is time by the way she acts. I am so sorry for your trouble and I realize you do not want to lose her. But euthanasia is the best present you can give her if she is so ill. There is no way to predict a survival time.

I am so sorry that you are having to go through this with your cat. As long as your cat is eating and drinking and not losing weight I would continue palliative care. Once he starts to decline, like acting sick and not eating or drinking, then it may be time to consider euthanasia.

IBD and GI lymphoma can look identical on lab work and ultrasound - the only way to distinguish the two for certain is to do an intestinal biopsy. Steroids can decrease the number of inflammatory cells and make diagnosis more difficult. Both can be difficult to manage, and each cat may need a different treatment plan. Often pain medications, nausea medications, anti-inflammatories, hypoallergenic diets, probiotics, antibiotics, etc are needed.