May 7 Written by:kim_danoff
Wednesday, May 07, 2008  Q: My seven-year-old cat was diagnosed with arthritis of the spine recently. My doctor prescribed prednisone and I do not want to keep her on it long term as I know she may experience problems from it in the future. I now have her on Cosequin and a supplement called NuCat which contains New Zealand Green Mussel for her joints. She is responding well to these supplements. Are there any known side effects of using these supplements long term?
A: Nu Cat is a great supplement, as is Cosequin. We use them both at our clinic. I think there are alternatives to steroids in this situation and may include fish oil, digestive enzymes, homeopathics (Zeel or Traumeel), etc. Although we do sometimes use steroids, I typically try the alternatives first, and we generally are pleased with our results. It is only in very severe cases that I end up using steroids.
Tags: 5 comments so far...
Re: Steroid Alternatives for Cats
Actually, cats can remain on pred for sometime and tolerate it well. They are not like dogs were they develop addison disease and so forth. As long as blood work is perform on a regular basis, I really don't see why pred can't be used long term in cats.
By Kateyes on
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
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Re: Steroid Alternatives for Cats
I from personal experience with pred would take your cat off it. I agree with the vet, do the alternatives since they work and have no side effects. Long term steroid use isn't good no matter what the vets say, since it even isn't good for people either.
By eapupowner on
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
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Re: Steroid Alternatives for Cats
Perhaps discuss with your vet your desire to try alternatives and keep steroid use as another option espescially if your cat's illness progresses. You might also ask if the reason steroids are being prescribed first to provide quicker relief, has this disease progressed creating damage and inflammation? If he/she feels steroids are a good place to start can you switch to the alternatives down the line? Is your vet supportive of homeopathics or just prescribing the "tried and true" drug company stuff? Sorry - it seems like your question certainly leads to more questions yet our pets are certainly worth the effort! Good luck - I hope your kitty feels better soon!
By CallieandCol on
Thursday, May 08, 2008
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Re: Steroid Alternatives for Cats
I have had two pets on cosequin and one that was on prednisone. I noticed no difference between the two other than the cost and side effects. My dog was always going to the bathroom. I love the cosequin and haved used it for two years on my american bulldog who has hip dysplasia. She has improved so much since then. I would recommed the cosequin!
By Alison on
Thursday, May 08, 2008
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Re: Steroid Alternatives for Cats
I'm a vet tech and my cat has some arthritis in her spine as well. And I was noticing she wasn't as spunky or happy. She was also starting to chew her hair off one of her thighs. I had a few chiropractic adjustments done on her and started her on a supplement called Trixsyn. It's a liquid hyaluronic acid. I definitely feel I saw an improvement in her attitude and behavior since I've started the Trixsyn. She seems much happier and spunkier. And not to mention she loves taking her trixsyn. We also prescribe the cosequin at my job but I'm not using it personally on any of my pets. But I think it's a decent product andI know you can use that and Trixsyn together depending how bad ur cat is. Good Luck.
By desires_of_serenity on
Friday, May 09, 2008
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