Anyone ever had a good experience with steroid shots? Lucy got one for her stomatitis.

txcatmom

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I know all the negative side effects.  But I guess I need a bit of a pep talk from people and pets who have seen positive benefits.

Despite our best efforts to treat Lucy's stomatitis without steroids, the vet gave her a depo medrol shot today. I was beside myself when he used the phrase "quality of life over quantity."   She will also be taking 2 weeks of an antibiotic.  When the vet opened her mouth wide, she was in obvious pain and the back of her mouth was beet red.  She had extractions 8 weeks ago and the spots where the teeth were are looking better, but not the back of the mouth (and I'm pretty sure it reached her throat as well.) 

I'm not really asking about stomatitis treatments, we've looked into it all.  This vet is the best we could find.  And Lucy is on a raw diet and taking every supplement that might help with inflammation and gum health.

Like I said, I'm just wondering if anyone has had good experiences with steroids. 
 

carolina

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It works, but I would not do it long term due to side effects. Bugsy can't deal with it, so for him it is a no. I am sorry.... :(
 
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txcatmom

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It works, but I would not do it long term due to side effects.
I know....that is why he started talking about quality of life over quantity.  I've been crying ever since because I know it is the beginning of the end of her life if we have to continue these shots.
 

carolina

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I know....that is why he started talking about quality of life over quantity.  I've been crying ever since because I know it is the beginning of the end of her life if we have to continue these shots.
The treatment with my clinic is a definite no? It does work...... And there is no steroids..... Bugsy had no side effects whatsoever......
 
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txcatmom

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The treatment with my clinic is a definite no?
As someone who is budget conscious (two human kids and just one income for the family), the $45 per month (with shipping) plus necessary blood tests gives me pause.  I have not ruled it out, but am hesitant.  Of course, the treatment her vet is pursuing will cost money and potential side effects will too.  But if she ended up needed the steroids infrequently or could do pulse therapy with oral steroids, the cost wouldn't be too burdensome.  I'm going to ask the vet more about prednisolone (oral steroid) next time.  We've discussed it before and he thought the shot was safer, but I'm not so sure from what I've read.
Bugsy had no side effects whatsoever......
How bad was it to administer the meds to Bugsy?  I'm pretty sure I couldn't get away with adding it to Lucy's food as the clinic suggested when I asked about whether cats object to the meds.
 

carolina

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As someone who is budget conscious (two human kids and just one income for the family), the $45 per month (with shipping) plus necessary blood tests gives me pause.  I have not ruled it out, but am hesitant.  Of course, the treatment her vet is pursuing will cost money and potential side effects will too.  But if she ended up needed the steroids infrequently or could do pulse therapy with oral steroids, the cost wouldn't be too burdensome.  I'm going to ask the vet more about prednisolone (oral steroid) next time.  We've discussed it before and he thought the shot was safer, but I'm not so sure from what I've read.

Well, depending when you took the last blood tests, the last one might still be good - you need to call the clinic to see. You do need to have periodic tests since you are away - ask what the bare minimum is. Blood tests are important to gauge side effects in the beginning. Although rare, it is stil medicine.... The shipping will be super cheap, since it comes from Dallas, and you are also in Texas. After the first few months, the treatment is pretty much dental visits once a year. She will probably see your vet once a quarter/once every six months just to check her mouth and to report to the clininc. If I remember correctly, Bugsy started the treatment, had a follow up visit after a month, then after 60 days, 90, 180, then only once yr. Those visits were only to check his mouth. As I said, yearly dentals, but since she doesn't have teeth, you don't need to worry about that - it will be mouth visits, really, once a year.

How bad was it to administer the meds to Bugsy?  I'm pretty sure I couldn't get away with adding it to Lucy's food as the clinic suggested when I asked about whether cats object to the meds. Most cats like the medicine mixed with the food. I had no such luck. They made capsules for me and I gave it to Bugsy, and it was not bad at all; after a while he got so used to it, it was a breeze.
 
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white shadow

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Yep! Blaize developed Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex a few years ago - one shot of Depomedrol cleared it in very short order. Now, it wasn't Stomatitis, however.

I will tell you what I'd do - and, where I'd be - if I were dealing with Stomatitis...right here:http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Feline-Stomatitis/?v=1&t=search&ch=web&pub=groups&sec=group&slk=2
 

These specialized groups offer loads and loads of real life experience, learnings, knowledge and, are usually on the "leading edge" of the latest in treatments. On top of all that, they are "plugged into" research and treatment trials.

IF you check out their home page, you'll see this:
UPDATE: (North America Only) There is a new, inexpensive and easy to obtain treatment now available! Currently in "trial" phase. Upon joining this group, you will receive a file about this drug. PLEASE READ IT! It has been VERY SUCCESSFUL in treating this disease!! Worth a try BEFORE doing extractions!
Back to your original question. If you want to hear about steroid treatment experience for Stomatitis, that's where you're sure to hear lots!
 

carolina

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Yep! Blaize developed Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex a few years ago - one shot of Depomedrol cleared it in very short order. Now, it wasn't Stomatitis, however.

I will tell you what I'd do - and, where I'd be - if I were dealing with Stomatitis...right here:http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Feline-Stomatitis/?v=1&t=search&ch=web&pub=groups&sec=group&slk=2

 
These specialized groups offer loads and loads of real life experience, learnings, knowledge and, are usually on the "leading edge" of the latest in treatments. On top of all that, they are "plugged into" research and treatment trials.

IF you check out their home page, you'll see this:

Back to your original question. If you want to hear about steroid treatment experience for Stomatitis, that's where you're sure to hear lots!
This is the treatment I have been talking about - it is the treatment Bugsy was on.
 
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txcatmom

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I will tell you what I'd do - and, where I'd be - if I were dealing with Stomatitis...right here
Thanks for that.  I just joined the yahoo group. 

Edited to add:  Just four hours after the shot I saw Lucy give herself the most thorough licking/grooming/cat bath I've seen.  I haven't seen her groom at all for weeks and had only seen one good grooming session the whole time we've had her.  I know results can lessen over time, which really distresses me, but she is obviously feeling better already.
 
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sugarcatmom

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  Ultimately, that's the most important factor. I hope Lucy gets a lot of mileage out of the steroid shot and doesn't need them too frequently.

I came across an interesting article by renowned veterinary endocrinologist Dr. Mark Peterson regarding a possible link between stomatitis and an iodine deficiency: Relationship Between Stomatitis and Hyperthyroidism in Cats?   I wonder if that's something worth pursuing with your own vet.
 
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txcatmom

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I came across an interesting article by renowned veterinary endocrinologist Dr. Mark Peterson regarding a possible link between stomatitis and an iodine deficiency
Interesting.  Thanks.  She doesn't seem to have classic symptoms of hyperthyroid, but I guess that doesn't mean she isn't deficient in iodine.  I'll have to look into and/or ask her vet whether iodine supplementation would be something to try. 
 

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My cat was having problems following dental surgery also. Continual pawing at mouth, limited appetite, etc. My Vet gave her the same steroid as yours and she improved immediately. He told me that the steroid would last about 3 weeks or so and hopefully the symptoms won't return. If the symptoms do return, another shot may be needed - perhaps several per year. It has only been a week but so far everything OK. 

It is true that steroids are not good over the long run, but can be very helpful in the short term. A friend told me that steroids can 'cure' cancer but only temporarily. Truly amazing drug!
 

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OK, this isn't stomatitis related, but it is Depomedrol related. Tuxedo developed anemia in 2004, when he was 2 years old. It was finally determined it was an autoimmune disorder, and it almost took his life twice. His hematocrit was just 7 (normal is 30 - 40, below 25 is anemic, high teens is survivable, low teens is not - he had maybe a couple of days to live) his body was refusing any further blood transfusions, and the vet was "out of bullets." He'd called every feline blood specialist in the country. He tried the last ditch option: a Depo shot instead of prednisone pill.

Well - it worked. It suppressed whatever was causing his body to attack and destroy his red blood cells as if they were a virus.

I suspect that the dose of Depo Lucy is on is anti-inflammatory, not immune-suppressive. But Tuxie was on the highest dose you can give at the highest frequency that can be given (every two weeks) for YEARS. His body slooooooowly responded, and over time the vet was able to lower the frequency, then the dose. But for 5-6 years, he had VERY high levels of Depo given every 2 weeks to every month. For Tuxie, there was no choice, as this kept him alive, and we had no qualms about it.

It is now 2012, and he is 10 years old. He hasn't needed a Depo shot in over a year now - and the last one was just a half dose after about a year.

I don't know that this is going to shorten his life. And now that he's no longer receiving them, apparently diabetes is no longer a risk. I guess it's only a risk while they're actively on the steroids. :dk: Cats actually handle steroids far better than people, with fewer side effects even if you do have to use it long term.

If there's an option that doesn't break the bank that works, I'd use it. But I also don't want you to fear having to use steroids if that's the only practical option. :heart2: Look how much better your Lucy feels! :rub: :heart2:

:vibes: :vibes: :vibes:
 
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txcatmom

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Thanks so much for sharing that story LDG...and thanks to the others who have chimed in.  Like I said, I know all the negative possibilities so it's so encouraging to hear some positive.

How wonderful that Tuxie recovered!
 
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ldg

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:hugs:

And yes, it is wonderful. :) On raw, FYI, his hematocrit has consistently been 41%. (We transitioned in January, and he's been to the vet twice for bloodwork since the switch). :D His nose is now so bright pink (was white when anemic) we call him either Rudolph (when he's being a sweetie) or Mr. 41% (when he's chasing, beating up, or bothering the other cats for entertainment. ;) ). :lol3:
 

carolina

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I suspect the depo dosage should be immune-suppressant, since stomatitis is believed to be an immune mediated disease where the cat has a immune reaction to the tartar/plaque in the mouth.... Depo is used to stop this immune response.
 

ldg

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Oh, OK. I don't know anything about stomatitis, but assumed it was an issue of inflammation, but given that info, that would make sense. The vet would know, if you wanted to ask txcatmom.

Either way... If faced with the situation myself, I'd prefer an alternative if available and I could afford it. But not all long term use of high levels of steroids are a given for side effects - I just wanted txcatmom to know that. :heart2:
 
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txcatmom

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I think it is immune suppressive, but I also got the impression that his main goal was to control the inflammation.  (I'll have to ask whether a lower dose could be used to get away from the immune suppressive amounts.)  He warned me that he could possibly "activate" (that wasn't the word he used) a virus by giving it to her.  She has had slight upper respiratory symptoms lately (though those could all be caused by the stomatitis, or it could be the other way around....viruses contributing to the stomatitis.)  Anyways, since he wanted me to know that risk, I assume it is immune suppressive.
 

carolina

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The tough thing about Stomatitis is that it is a very hard to understand, almost obscure disease..... It can have SO many triggers. It can be an inflammatory response.... There are some theories that are related to viruses.... Then there is the possibility of bacteria..... There are so many possible triggers, so many things that might and might not work :(
The most accepted possibility is an immune-response to plaque/tartar. Which is why the depo/antibiotic, usually clindamicyn is the most common treatment, or full mouth extraction...... But as we can see in this thread, it doesn't work all the time.
It is a heck of a disease :bawling:

You just do what you need to do..... If it is the only option, yes..... Sure I would do Depo too..... But I would seek other options, specially having the positive experience I had with Bugsy. Even if I don't consider the side effects, which for Bugsy Depo is awful, the treatment worked like a charm, and kept him/his mouth in great shape, and pain free :nod:
 

carolina

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I think it is immune suppressive, but I also got the impression that his main goal was to control the inflammation.  (I'll have to ask whether a lower dose could be used to get away from the immune suppressive amounts.)  He warned me that he could possibly "activate" (that wasn't the word he used) a virus by giving it to her.  She has had slight upper respiratory symptoms lately (though those could all be caused by the stomatitis, or it could be the other way around....viruses contributing to the stomatitis.)  Anyways, since he wanted me to know that risk, I assume it is immune suppressive.
By suppressing the immune-system, you control the inflammation..... See this as an "allergy" the kitty has to the tartar/plaque. That immune-response causes the gums to get inflamed. You are basically stopping that cycle with Depo.
 
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