Depo Medrol Side Effects

I took my cat into the vet on Monday because she had a hot spot on her leg she had been constantly biting and licking. My regular vet was out of town (he is the sole vet at the practice), so he had a retired vet filling in for him. This vet suggested she might have a staph infection and gave her a shot of Depo Medrol which is Methylprednisolone a steroid that would last 3-5 weeks. He also gave her some Cefpodoxime a antibiotic for me to give her daily for 2 weeks. In hindsight, I wish I had done research on Depo Medrol and asked questions, but not being a vet I just went with it. Ever since the steroid shot she's had an insatiable appetite and has been very restless. She is literally begging me at any opportunity to for MORE food. 

I called the vet today and went over her symptoms. They assured me that this was a normal side effect and not to worry.I love my veterinary office.They have been a godsend on many occasions, but I'm I feel so bad for my cat right now! I also read some TERRIFYING stories regarding Depo Medrol that now have me worried sick. The vet suggested I really space out her meals, and try not to over feed her. I've never seen her so crazed for food before! The stinky thing is this drug won't wear off for a few weeks. 

Has anyone experienced this with their cat? Any advice or support? Thank you!

This is a common side effect of most steroids.  The intensity of your cats reaction may be due to the fact that it was given as an injection instead of sending you home with a low oral dosage of prednisolone.  Oral dosage is at least something that can be adjusted easily as necessary, and for a simple hot spot, a low dosage should have been considered first.  Or, another option would be to give an initial high dose for a week or two, and then lower it slowly over another few weeks... Again, easier to control with oral dosages.

I'm sorry, at this point you are just going to have to wait out the side effects. 

If the hot spot returns or continues to be an issue, you might want to discuss a low dose option with your vet.

Feed a low carb wet food just in case her sugar elevates too. Also to keep weight gain to a minimum.  How old is your cat and what does she normally eat(wet or dry)

catsallaround--She's on Royal Canin Urinary SO wet food since she's prone to bladder stones (she had to have them surgically removed last month). I'm scared to vary her diet because of this. She's 9 years old. 

Furmonster Mom- Thanks for the feedback. I figured I'd be stuck with this, but it's reassuring to hear that it's a normal reaction. It's just uncomfortable to seeing her so antsy and crazed for food. I'll definitely bring up a lower oral dose if she's still having the issues with the hot spot when I take her for her recheck. 

No change in diet then!  Poor girl.  I never had a cat had the reaction yours is having but 100% normal as it is always discussed at time of shot/pills being given.  Try some catnip or new toys as a distraction maybe?  Just keep eye on your food/counters as she may try to get into something and get upset stomach. 

Also, it couldn't hurt to give her a Vit. E capsule every other day, to help with healing.