Is transdermal prednisolone effective for my cat's lymphoma?

Dexamethasone is 7 times stronger than prednisolone and has an increased rate of GI upset or stomach ulcers. Typically on prednisolone is used in cat because prednisone is broken down to prednisolone--so it is easier to start with the broken down form already. Prednisolones are specifically used when talking about lymphoma due to the potential side effects of dexamethasone. Dr.s chooses one over the other base on preference or what you are treating -- specific diseases have research to back the use of one--lymphoma does better with prednisolone. You will not see a fast improvement with just prednisolone or even if you added stronger chemo. It is a slow progress no matter what. Just using prednisolone you can see a good appetite, no change in diarrhea, no added weight gain. It merely suppress the cancer cells temporarily and helps them feel better. Even with other chemos, it is long term process with slow results---2-4 months to see improvement with the diarrhea in severe cases. They stay on the medicine long term and the doses can be alternated based on how each patient responds

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Trixie. Compounding can be effective, but the flavoring could be a problem. Is she on a prescription veterinary diet? A lot of times this is the case with her condition. If the diet is to be fed exclusively, then flavoring a medication would not be recommended as it can increase intestinal inflammation in some cases. I hope this information helps!

1. Some cats can maintain a good quality of life with prednisolone (a metabolite of prednisone used more commonly than prednisone in cats) managing lymphoma for a year, but others may only maintain a good quality of life for a few weeks to months. The response is highly variable depending upon the type of lymphoma present and severity of clinical signs. Most cats will begin to show a response to prednisolone within the first week. 2. Yes, performing endoscopic biopsies with prednisolone treatment will make the results less reliable. Biopsy samples will be altered, preventing an accurate diagnosis. If endoscopy and biopsies will be performed, I always wait to start prednisolone until after this procedure. On another note, if chemotherapy may be performed, it is best to wait to start prednisolone until other chemotherapy drugs are also started. Starting prednisolone prior to other chemotherapy drugs hinders the effects of chemo.

I have used the compounded Cerenia in one case before with success. If it is from a reputable compounding pharmacy, I wouldn't have concerns. I haven't had any issues with compounded prednisolone and I think it would be fine and effective.

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

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.

Hello. I am so sorry about Bugger's cancer. No, the prednisolone did not actually allow the cancer to grow. Prednisolone is a steroid, & acts as an anti-inflammatory. It is often used in conjunction with some protocols to treat cancer, but it is not a cancer medication by itself. So, the cancer was going to advance & grow regardless of the prednisolone. I have no idea what kind of cancer Bugger has, but the use of surgery & an actual anticancer protocol might have been curative. This being said, the prednisolone may have contributed to Bugger surviving these past 4 years & allow him to make it to this wonderful old age. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.