feline lymphosacrcoma

Question
QUESTION: My cat Rebel, who is 15 years old, was diagnosed a few months ago with non-specific lymphosacrcoma. (the ultrasound guided biopsy provided no definative answers). My vet (who is outstanding) and I decided against chemo and put Rebel on predisone.  We are also using reglan and amforol for symtomatic issues.  Rebel seems to be getting around and i don't think she is in any pain but she cries/meows ALL the time.  She is part siamese and has, in the past, been vocal but not to this extent.  She will only eat the juice from pouch cat food always seems hungry.  When I am home I have to feed her almost evey hour or two and she wakes me up seveal times during the night to feed her.  I have tried a/d cat food, numerous over the counter cat food, and home-made chicken with little results.  I even tried stage one baby food but she only likes stage two (which I have stopped given her after reading that it could be toxic).  I am at my witts end.  She is losing weight and I don't know what to do!  Thank you for you time.

ANSWER: Debra -

There is a good chance that the prednisone that she is taking could be making her hungry.  Prednisone is a steroid; it is not uncommon for animals (and people) on steroids to become ravenous. Give her the food she wants and provide her with water because prednisone can increase thirst also.

Did you have her thyroid checked?  Cats that are advanced in age often have have an overactive thyroid which could be the culprit causing her to want to eat often.  An overactive thyroid increases the metabolism, making her hungry all the time.  The medication used to regulate the thyroid is relatively inexpensive, and it is usually tolerated will by cats.

Her constant vocalization may indicate that she is uncomfortable. What makes you think that she is not pain?  Lymphosarcoma is a type of cancer, so there is a possibility that she might be considerably uncomfortable.  Ask your veterinarian for pain meds and then observe to see if she is able to rest.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I also have a cat with hyperthyroidism which, due to his age and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, is not a candidate for surgery or radiation.  He is currently taking tapazole and it seems to have brought the numbers to within acceptable range.  My question (finally huh?) If I put Rebel on thyroid medications would she have to be tested every few weeks like my other cat?  Rebel really doesn't like going to the vet and I'm not sure if the stress would make her condition worse.  What are your thoughts?  Thanks again.  Debra

Answer
Debra -

I am sure that your veterinarian is doing bloodwork to check out the progress of your kitty's lymphosarcoma.  When you have the bloodwork done, request a thyroid test at that point.  Follow up bloodwork is a necessity to determine how if the medication is effective.  

Determining if Rebel needs thyroid meds will help to determine why she is vocalizing all the time.  Once you rule out other problems, that will help to determine whether she is crying because she is hungry due to an overactive thyroid or if the side effects from the prednisone is causing her to be extra hungry.