I have been searching through threads trying to find information on an NSAID called Onsior. My daughter's 5 lb., 16 year old, Lexi, has been prescribed Onsior (1/2 tab daily) by her oncologist. We do not yet have a definitive diagnosis of cancer (cytology came back "suspicious" for cancer), but she probably has lymphoma. She will be aspirated again next Monday and hopefully we will then have a diagnosis, and chemo is definitely an option we are considering. Because of her age and small size, she is not a candidate for surgery per the oncologist. Wherever the mass is actually located (somewhere beneath the liver or perhaps in the stomach), it is causing edema in her back legs, which are somewhat swollen, although she still has good blood flow to her feet and legs. Heart and lungs are not impacted by fluid, all good there. Blood work is perfect, with the oncologist saying that she has the metabolic profile of a 4-year-old.
When she was given her initial dose of Onsior, Lexi became almost catatonic, immobile to the point where my daughter (her mom) became panicked. However, the swelling in her legs was reduced a great deal with that initial dose. Since Lexi became immobile after her intial Onsior dose, my daughter reduced the dose to 1/3 of a tablet rather than 1/2 tablet, after running it by her oncologist, with no more catatonia but also no further impact on the swelling. I realize that not every drug effects every cat in the same way. I have no experience with Onsior myself, and this cat is so small and so old. We want to reduce the swelling and steroids are not an option until we decide whether or not to go forward with chemo. Apparently steroid use prior to chemo could cause any possible lymphoma to resist the chemo. Not a fan of steroids, but we would use them if not for this possible chemo resistance.
May I ask what your personal experiences with giving Onsior have been and what are your opinions regarding daily use? I know the package insert says the drug is to be given for three days only as a post-surgery drug, and not given to cats who weigh less than 5 1/2 pounds, but the oncologist wants Lexi on it daily. During the last two appointments, the oncologist has really pushed the Onsior which is, of course, being used off-label. I am afraid that Lexi may be one of those cats who simply has a bad reaction to NSAIDS in general and am looking for advice, anecdotes and/or opinions. She is also on Buprenex for pain. The oncologist said that the two could be given together, although they are not given at the same time. The Onsior is supposed to be given once daily and the Buprenex is being given twice daily. I did find a thread on the site in which a cat who had been given Onsior developed acute kidney failure, but did pull through, so that has me very concerned. Thanking you all in advance; any help will be much appreciated!
When she was given her initial dose of Onsior, Lexi became almost catatonic, immobile to the point where my daughter (her mom) became panicked. However, the swelling in her legs was reduced a great deal with that initial dose. Since Lexi became immobile after her intial Onsior dose, my daughter reduced the dose to 1/3 of a tablet rather than 1/2 tablet, after running it by her oncologist, with no more catatonia but also no further impact on the swelling. I realize that not every drug effects every cat in the same way. I have no experience with Onsior myself, and this cat is so small and so old. We want to reduce the swelling and steroids are not an option until we decide whether or not to go forward with chemo. Apparently steroid use prior to chemo could cause any possible lymphoma to resist the chemo. Not a fan of steroids, but we would use them if not for this possible chemo resistance.
May I ask what your personal experiences with giving Onsior have been and what are your opinions regarding daily use? I know the package insert says the drug is to be given for three days only as a post-surgery drug, and not given to cats who weigh less than 5 1/2 pounds, but the oncologist wants Lexi on it daily. During the last two appointments, the oncologist has really pushed the Onsior which is, of course, being used off-label. I am afraid that Lexi may be one of those cats who simply has a bad reaction to NSAIDS in general and am looking for advice, anecdotes and/or opinions. She is also on Buprenex for pain. The oncologist said that the two could be given together, although they are not given at the same time. The Onsior is supposed to be given once daily and the Buprenex is being given twice daily. I did find a thread on the site in which a cat who had been given Onsior developed acute kidney failure, but did pull through, so that has me very concerned. Thanking you all in advance; any help will be much appreciated!