Cat not eating on Leukeran & prednisolone for lymphoma. What to do?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

  Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

  Published on April 21st, 2019

  Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! While in theory Leukeran can cause inappetence being a chemotherapy drug, this is rarely seen with its administration. I think the antibiotic is more likely to be cause of this issue. However, it is still possible that it was the Leukeran so it is very important you let your veterinarian know as they may consider lowering her dose next time. Most of the time when decreased appetite occurs with chemotherapy, it is because of nausea so anti-nausea medications can help a great deal. This is something your veterinarian could prescribe for her. Best of luck!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Dr. B. DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)

  Veterinarian

  Published on April 18th, 2019

  It depends somewhat on the severity of her symptoms prior to treatment. Cats that minimal clinical signs and/or less aggressive disease often feel better/gain weight quicker. The steroid could help the appetite quickly as it is an appetite stimulant as well. Response to leukeran can take time, typically several doses (2 to 6 in most cases with this dosing scheme). Not every cat will respond (although the majority do) and it is important to make sure failure to respond is really a non response and not a drug related side effect (some cats do not tolerate this drug well, although most do with every 2 week dosing). Your kitty's doctor should help walk you through the process as well. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful