Between a rock and a hard place :( 18 year old cat with pemphigus fungus (and kidney disease)

Hi everyone. First time writing on a cat forum. My 18 year old has kidney disease. He just got his check up last week and his blood tests came back stable. The new issue that's arisen is he has what his doctor diagnosed as pemphigus fungus, which he's had traces of since the end of last year. There is crust and irritation visible outside one of his ears, 2-3 claws and under his paws. He's also lost hair on one of his back paws because of it. There is a topical ointment his doctor prescribed, but I'm only able to apply it to his ear, because it's the only place he will not ingest it. 

My concern is that for the fungus, the doctor prescribed prednisone (steroids). It takes time and patience for it to work. Diabetes is a side effect but with high doses and for a long term. But if left untreated, it will spread all over his body, including his organs. I feel that it's all a gamble because of his age. The doctor does not suggest using more prednisone unless he feels uncomfortable, so I feel very lost. I evidently want what's best for him. I've noticed he looks depressed lately.

Just wondering if anyone has had a similar experience? Should I consider herbal remedies? Since pemphigus is caused by his immune system and only worsens because it can't fight it off, would it be safe to administer an immune system remedy what with his already sensitive diet due to kidney disease?

Any opinions and feedback are welcome. I just need to clear my head 

Poor kitty. I'm sorry you're dealing with this difficult issue. I don't have any experience with pemphigus fungus but I hope someone who has will reply with their experience.

Welcome to TCS!!! I am sorry your kitty is ill. I hope that someone will come along that will have some advice for you. I am sending you and your kitty loads of vibes

Thank you everyone! There is actually a typo in my description. Pemphigus is not a fungus. It's an autoimmune disease where the body attacks the skin. Still wondering what to do. Doesn't seem like he's that advanced yet, so I might just need to cross this bridge now and then deal with the secondary effects if they do happen.

anacarov said:

I've noticed he looks depressed lately.

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I'm sorry your kitty is unwell

Are you sure that look of "depression" isn't one of pain?  Cat's act very differently than people do when in pain.

I know this isn't something you want to hear, because none of us want to consider live without our furry companions;  but you have to start to look at the quality of life your kitty has, vs the quantity that you want it to have.

A couple years ago I had to make the tough decision to send my soul-mate kitty, Chynna, to the Rainbow Bridge.  As much as it hurt me to do so because she was still very loving. I knew from having watched her for most of her life, that her quality of life had greatly deteriorated.  And I had made my girl a promise when she first adopted me, that I would not hang onto her for selfish reasons, and that I would make sure I let her go when she still had her kitty dignity.  I miss her so much, but I have never regreted the decision of a promise kept.  Her life was truely not what it one was; her health was failing; she had high blood pressure, thyroid issues, and kidney disease and I could see her wasting away in front of my eyes. 

I had to consider what was best for her vs what I wanted for me. Maybe this time has come for you too?

So sorry for all the issues you and your kitty are dealing with.  I have no experiences to share so the best I can do is send positive vibes
 

Hi.  Im so sorry.  My kitty was 19 when she passed, and had kidney failure. Ive never dealt with pemphigus, but i have dealt with my old dog getting demodictic mange from his immune system failing when he got old.  Your vet gave him pred to supress his immune system.  I read a little bit about pemphigus online just now, and it did say that sunlight can make it worse.  Dont know if thats helpful at all.  Hopefully some one else know something about it, and can be more helpful.  Vibes to you and your kitty.

It's not much of a solution, but what about putting a cone on your kitty for a little while after you put on the ointment so she can't lick it off? So then at least while you think of a more permanent solution, the owies she has can be kept in check.