My 13-year-old cat won't eat, possibly leukemia. What can I do?

Question

I'm giving my 13 yr old kitty Prednisone twice a day and Cyproheptad 45mg every other day. Blood work showed nothing & thyroid test was neg. They said prob leukemia but doesn't show in blood work? Can't afford more tests nor put him thru it. He still has energy to go outside but appetite down to almost nothing? What can I do? What to expect? Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 13 years and 7 months old | 0 lbs

Daniel Fonza, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello and thank you for your post! I am sorry to hear that Dinky may have leukemia. Some changes on blood work that you can see include anemia, low white blood cell count and low platelets to name a few common changes we see. I am unsure whether or not you mean leukemia or lymphoma? Leukemia can be typically diagnosed with a snap test that your vet's clinic should have on hand that would help confirm the diagnosis. If lymphoma, abdominal ultrasound would help but to get closer to a definitive diagnosis for lymphoma, you would need intestinal biopsies. Unfortunately with both diseases, they tend to progress and worsen. You can talk to your vet about appetite stimulant drugs and see if you can get a prescription for this. I would be careful with the steroids as they can cause further immunosuppression and could make things worse. Offer lots of tasty foods and see if it is a matter of palatability as well. Anti-nausea drugs such as Cerenia (from your vet's clinic) may also prove useful in getting the appetite back. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.

My 13-year-old cat won't eat, possibly leukemia. What can I do?

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