Is it safe to give cats steriods?

Question

I took my 2 year & 6 month old cats to a quack vet after they started showing pnemonia-like symptoms & they prescribed them steriods. Is this really safe to give to my babies? They are still very sick & I don't know what to do.

Answer 1

It is very common for vets to prescribe steroids as an anti inflammatory. They are relatively safe when used in the correct dosages, but can lead to complications (such as diabetes) if used over long periods of time. Anytime you question a doctors diagnosis or the pet is not getting better, try another vet for a second opinion. That's what I do. It can be very difficult for a vet to diagnose problems accurately. I have also found that the emergency clinics are sometimes better at treating illnesses from unknown patients since this is what they do all the time. Your regular vet expects that you will keep returning if needed, so it may not seem as urgent to them.

Answer 2

Steroids can help with breathing problems, so depending on the diagnosis, yes, it's the vet's call on this.

Long term steroid use (over a month) is bad for the cat since it pulls down their immune system. Also, some cats are predisposed to go into a diabetic condition if on steroids for long term, even the gradual weening off of the steroid sometimes is too much and can push a borderline cat into diabetic condition.

But for a week or two, they should be fine on it.

Answer 3

First, I'd be asking the vet why the pills were prescribed, what they are supposed to do and if there are any potential side effects.

Possible side effects may include diabetes, even from one dose.

Second, if the cats are still sick after a few days I'd be calling the vet to ask if they should be brought back.

Answer 4

My guess is that if the vet prescribed them steroids its okay. And a two year old cat is no longer a baby so they shouldnt be to sensitive too it. Also keep in mind that not all steroids are bad, so i would say yes. Otherwise your cats won't get any better anyways.

Answer 5

You could check with another vet, but it is common to give prednisone (steroids) to cats with breathing problems. I have a 10 yr old cat that has minor asthma when she comes in contact with certain allergens, and we keep prednisone here for her. At the first sound of a wheeze, she gets a pill. It opens the lungs for her, and will help with breathing and mucus expulsion in a cat with lung problems. It wil cause your cats to eat and drink like crazy as long as they are on them, so be ready for that. And it will work wonders fast. I've never heard of it causing a problem as long as you give the correct amount. It isn't something you want to give constantly, but is the normal procedure for cats with a problem like yours have.The benefits out weigh the risks by a huge margin.

Answer 6

My last cat was on prednisone for the last 6 years of her life. I didn't question it then, but if either of my current cats needed life-long or long term medication, I'd research the hell out of it to come up with a less invasive solution.

I guess technically it's fine - but like I said, I don't like the idea of being on medication long-term. That goes for myself and my cats. I'm really not a nature freak or anything, but I think there's something to be said for more natural solutions.

Answer 7

you can but vets dont like giving very often,if no better ring vets and ask

Answer 8

if you don't think that your vet was right, then talk to another vet.

Answer 9

yeah get advice from someone with no medical background ..thats smart

Answer 10

Your doc. might say so but I don't think so