How long does prednisone treat cat lymphoma & affect endoscopy?

Question

1. How long will a cat with intestinal lymphoma respond to a "prednisone only" treatment? Will we see a response immediately, in a week, or longer? 2. I heard that starting prednisone may render endoscopy test unreliable, is this true?

Lauren Jones VMD · Accepted Answer

1. Some cats can maintain a good quality of life with prednisolone (a metabolite of prednisone used more commonly than prednisone in cats) managing lymphoma for a year, but others may only maintain a good quality of life for a few weeks to months. The response is highly variable depending upon the type of lymphoma present and severity of clinical signs. Most cats will begin to show a response to prednisolone within the first week. 2. Yes, performing endoscopic biopsies with prednisolone treatment will make the results less reliable. Biopsy samples will be altered, preventing an accurate diagnosis. If endoscopy and biopsies will be performed, I always wait to start prednisolone until after this procedure. On another note, if chemotherapy may be performed, it is best to wait to start prednisolone until other chemotherapy drugs are also started. Starting prednisolone prior to other chemotherapy drugs hinders the effects of chemo.

How long does prednisone treat cat lymphoma & affect endoscopy?

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