The verdict is. . . my cat is fat?

[susi794]

My girls run between 6 and 7 lbs.--except Dulcinea who weighs in at 7.75 but that's because she's pregnant. I feed the raw diet and my "kids" hear something that sounds like their bag of treats being opened and suddenly I have a stampede trying to get here!

 

[ilovemysphynx]

The point is that the cat gained weight and being that she was on steroids that can be the cause of weight gain or over eating that was cause by being on the steroids. I think instead of the vet making her feel bad by telling her the cat is over weight in A way that made her feel like she had done something wrong, the vet should have told her the side effects of the meds he was giving to the cat in the begining, and because he did not he should be the one that feels bad.

As long as Stella is healthy and happy is all that matters!
This will hopefully help others who are given steroids for their cat and the vet does not tell them all the side effects.

 

[Brooke]

My girls run between 6 and 7 lbs.--except Dulcinea who weighs in at 7.75 but that's because she's pregnant. I feed the raw diet and my "kids" hear something that sounds like their bag of treats being opened and suddenly I have a stampede trying to get here!

Same here! Sometimes I'll try to move the treat bag out of the way, and I'll just pinch the edge of the bag, ever so gently, trying my hardest not to make any sound...it will make one little, tiny crinkle and all four of them will wake out of a dead sleep and come running from wherever they were, out from under whatever blankets they were buried in and start screaming at me and doing figure 8's around my feet and trying to climb up my legs! They definitely know that sound!!


Girls are typically smaller than boys - Helen is 6.5 lbs., Mandy is 6 lbs., Walter is 9.5 and Nelson is a hefty 11.5 lbs! Strangely, out of my gang, Helen is the one that has a little bit of extra pudge on her, although she's only 6.5 pounds!

Ultra_Stella, here's a do-it-yourself way to judge your progress with Stella's weight -

You can't really go by the number when determining if your cat is overweight or underweight or just right, because there's no general rule that says "every sphynx should weigh 9 pounds". Every cat is different - you have to take into account her bone structure, size, muscle mass, etc. You shouldn't see her ribs, shoulders or hips sticking out, but you should easily be able to feel them, and she should have a slight hourglass figure when looking at her from above.

 

[PitRottMommy]

If I'm not mistaken, it was not the vet but the student or the technician that made her unhappy. She accepted the words from the doctor, but s/he wasn't the one that upset her.

Going over medications, especially medications like steroids, is not as easy as you might think. People become confused and scared after you reach about the 10th thing that can go wrong with medications--it's why they don't do it with people either. You're there to get a doctor's opinion and taking a medication (or giving) means you trust his or her judgement.

This is an excerpt from Plumb's Drug Handbook, I pulled it straight from a Veterinary website that I have access to. It's a direct copy from the manual... which I also have in my possession...Prednisone alone takes up 6 pages.

It says and I have highlighted the passages where concern could be marked, the entire passage is highlighted if anyone wants to scroll to the bottom:


Contraindications (relative): systemic fungal infections

Caution: active bacterial infections, corneal ulcer, Cushingoid syndrome, diabetes, osteoporosis, chronic psychotic reactions, predisposition to thrombophlebitis, hypertension, CHF, renal insufficiency

Goal of therapy is to use as much as is required and as little as possible for as short an amount of time as possible

Primary adverse effects are "Cushingoid" in nature with sustained use

Pharmacology

Glucocorticoids have effects on virtually every cell type and system in mammals. An overview of the effects of these agents follows:

Cardiovascular System: Glucocorticoids can reduce capillary permeability and enhance vasoconstriction. A relatively clinically insignificant positive inotropic effect can occur after glucocorticoid administration. Increased blood pressure can result from both the drugs' vasoconstrictive properties and increased blood volume that may be produced.

CNS/Autonomic Nervous System: Glucocorticoids can lower seizure threshold, alter mood and behavior, diminish the response to pyrogens, stimulate appetite and maintain alpha rhythm. Glucocorticoids are necessary for normal adrenergic receptor sensitivity.

Endocrine System: When animals are not stressed, glucocorticoids will suppress the release of ACTH from the anterior pituitary, thereby reducing or preventing the release of endogenous corticosteroids. Stress factors (e.g., renal disease, liver disease, diabetes) may sometimes nullify the suppressing aspects of exogenously administered steroids. Release of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin and luteinizing hormone (LH) may all be reduced when glucocorticoids are administered at pharmacological doses. Conversion of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3) may be reduced in glucocorticoids and plasma levels of parathyroid hormone increased. Glucocorticoids may inhibit osteoblast function. Vasopressin (ADH) activity is reduced at the renal tubules and diuresis may occur. Glucocorticoids inhibit insulin binding to insulin-receptors and the post-receptor effects of insulin.

GI Tract and Hepatic System: Glucocorticoids increase the secretion of gastric acid, pepsin and trypsin. They alter the structure of mucin and decrease mucosal cell proliferation. Iron salts and calcium absorption are decreased while fat absorption is increased. Hepatic changes can include increased fat and glycogen deposits within hepatocytes, increased serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT). Significant increases can be seen in serum alkaline phosphatase levels. Glucocorticoids can cause minor increases in BSP (bromosulfophthalein) retention time.

Immune System (also see Cells and Hematopoietic System): Glucocorticoids can decrease circulating levels of T-lymphocytes; inhibit lymphokines; inhibit neutrophil, macrophage, and monocyte migration; reduce production of interferon; inhibit phagocytosis and chemotaxis; antigen processing; and diminish intracellular killing. Specific acquired immunity is affected less than nonspecific immune responses. Glucocorticoids can also antagonize the complement cascade and mask the clinical signs of infection. Mast cells are decreased in number and histamine synthesis is suppressed. Many of these effects only occur at high or very high doses and there are species differences in response.

Metabolic effects: Glucocorticoids stimulate gluconeogenesis. Lipogenesis is enhanced in certain areas of the body (e.g., abdomen) and adipose tissue can be redistributed away from the extremities to the trunk. Fatty acids are mobilized from tissues and their oxidation is increased. Plasma levels of triglycerides, cholesterol and glycerol are increased. Protein is mobilized from most areas of the body (not the liver).

Musculoskeletal: Glucocorticoids may cause muscular weakness (also caused if there is a lack of glucocorticoids), atrophy, and osteoporosis. Bone growth can be inhibited via growth hormone and somatomedin inhibition, increased calcium excretion and inhibition of vitamin D activation. Resorption of bone can be enhanced. Fibrocartilage growth is also inhibited.

Ophthalmic: Prolonged corticosteroid use (both systemic or topically to the eye) can cause increased intraocular pressure and glaucoma, cataracts and exophthalmos.

Reproductive Tract, Pregnancy, & Lactation: Glucocorticoids are probably necessary for normal fetal development. They may be required for adequate surfactant production, myelin, retinal, pancreas and mammary development. Excessive dosages early in pregnancy may lead to teratogenic effects. In horses and ruminants, exogenous steroid administration may induce parturition when administered in the latter stages of pregnancy. Glucocorticoids unbound to plasma proteins will enter milk. High dosages or prolonged administration to mothers may potentially inhibit the growth of nursing newborns.

Renal, Fluid, & Electrolytes: Glucocorticoids can increase potassium and calcium excretion; sodium and chloride reabsorption and extracellular fluid volume. Hypokalemia and/or hypocalcemia occur rarely. Diuresis may occur following glucocorticoid administration.

Skin: Thinning of dermal tissue and skin atrophy can be seen with glucocorticoid therapy. Hair follicles can become distended and alopecia may occur.


Contraindications/Precautions

Systemic use of glucocorticoids is generally considered contraindicated in systemic fungal infections (unless used for replacement therapy in Addison's), when administered IM in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenia and in patients hypersensitive to a particular compound. Sustained-released injectable glucocorticoids are considered contraindicated for chronic corticosteroid therapy of systemic diseases.

Animals that have received glucocorticoids systemically, other than with "burst" therapy, should be tapered off the drugs. Patients who have received the drugs chronically should be tapered off slowly as endogenous ACTH and corticosteroid function may return slowly. Should the animal undergo a "stressor" (e.g., surgery, trauma, illness, etc.) during the tapering process or until normal adrenal and pituitary function resume, additional glucocorticoids should be administered.

Reproductive/Nursing Safety

Corticosteroid therapy may induce parturition in large animal species during the latter stages of pregnancy. In humans, the FDA categorizes this drug as category C for use during pregnancy (Animal studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, but there are no adequate studies in humans; or there are no animal reproduction studies and no adequate studies in humans.) In a separate system evaluating the safety of drugs in canine and feline pregnancy (Papich 1989), this drug is categorized as in class: C (These drugs may have potential risks. Studies in people or laboratory animals have uncovered risks, and these drugs should be used cautiously as a last resort when the benefit of therapy clearly outweighs the risks.)

Corticosteroids appear in maternal milk and could cause negative effects in nursing offspring, but probably only if the mother is on high dosages for long periods.

 

[PitRottMommy]

Adverse Effects/Warnings

Adverse effects are generally associated with long-term administration of these drugs, especially if given at high dosages or not on an alternate day regimen. Effects generally are manifested as symptoms of hyperadrenocorticism. When administered to young, growing animals, glucocorticoids can retard growth. Many of the potential effects, adverse and otherwise, are outlined above in the Pharmacology section.

In dogs, polydipsia (PD), polyphagia (PP) and polyuria (PU), may all be seen with short-term "burst" therapy as well as with alternate-day maintenance therapy on days when giving the drug. Adverse effects in dogs can include dull, dry haircoat, weight gain, panting, vomiting, diarrhea, elevated liver enzymes, pancreatitis, GI ulceration, lipidemias, activation or worsening of diabetes mellitus, muscle wasting and behavioral changes (depression, lethargy, viciousness). Discontinuation of the drug may be necessary; changing to an alternate steroid may also alleviate the problem. With the exception of PU/PD/PP, adverse effects associated with antiinflammatory therapy are relatively uncommon. Adverse effects associated with immunosuppressive doses are more common and potentially more severe.

Cats generally require higher dosages than dogs for clinical effect, but tend to develop fewer adverse effects. Occasionally, polydipsia, polyuria, diarrhea, or depression can be seen. Long-term, high dose therapy can lead to "Cushingoid" effects, however.

Administration of dexamethasone or triamcinolone may play a role in the development of laminitis in horses.

Drug Interactions

Amphotericin B or potassium-depleting diuretics (furosemide, thiazides) when administered concomitantly with glucocorticoids may cause hypokalemia. When these drugs are used concurrently with digitalis glycosides, an increased chance of digitalis toxicity may occur should hypokalemia develop. Diligent monitoring of potassium and digitalis glycoside levels is recommended.

Glucocorticoids may reduce salicylate blood levels.

Insulin requirements may increase in patients taking glucocorticoids. Phenytoin, phenobarbital, rifampin may increase the metabolism of glucocorticoids.

Concomitant administration of glucocorticoids and cyclosporine may increase the blood levels of each, by mutually inhibiting the hepatic metabolism of each other. The clinical significance of this interaction is not clear. Glucocorticoids may also inhibit the hepatic metabolism of cyclophosphamide. Dosage adjustments may be required.

The hepatic metabolism of methylprednisolone may be inhibited by erythromycin.

Mitotane may alter the metabolism of steroids; higher than usual doses of steroids may be necessary to treat mitotane-induced adrenal insufficiency.

Patients taking corticosteroids at immunosuppressive dosages should generally not receive live attenuated-virus vaccines as virus replication may be augmented. A diminished immune response may occur after vaccine, toxoid, or bacterin administration in patients receiving glucocorticoids.

Administration of ulcerogenic drugs (e.g., non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs) with glucocorticoids may increase the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration.

The effects of hydrocortisone, and possibly other glucocorticoids, may be potentiated by concomitant administration with estrogens.


I TOTALLY understand where you're coming from in wanting the vet to be frank and tell you exactly what the heck to be looking out for...but...it's absolutely impossible to go over every possible problem that could arise. And more than that...he really did go over the "common things to be wary of": Nothing. Because cats normally have no problems at all with steroids. With antibiotics? Yeah, he should have warned about an upset stomach. And recommended feeding a meal with the medication if a stomach upset happened. That's why its important to trust the vet you see...trust that s/he's already gone over all the drug interactions and knows your pet isn't in certain organ failure and qualifies to take the medication. As you see above, cats can develop Cushing's, a disorder also known as hyperadrenocorticism. A BIG reason on why its recommended to taper this medication--because the adrenal glands can be poorly affected. That would scare the daylights out of most people who give steroids regularly to their pet for anything...even simple things like allergies (which it works great for). Some people, and most people in vet med have experienced this, declined medication that should help because something could happen. And that's when the pet loses. And that's not our goal for those of us employed in this field. We want to see happy, healthy pets.

I can tell by speaking with the original poster that she's a concerned and cautious owner and wants to do right by her cats...she wouldn't need any more worry added to her plate with this whole bible of problems that COULD happen or medication interations that she may never encounter (or remember, furthermore). It's just easier to do what the vet did and give the medication and schedule a recheck...which is when HE gets to look for all the problems listed above. That's why you pay him the big bucks, to get down to the nitty gritty and do the dirty work of figuring it all out.

I hope that made a statement for what the vet does and why we do it this way. If you were to ask for a description of what most commonly happens, your vet would be happy to answer your questions. Otherwise, I think he did a good job of calling obesity out before it got worse...because it poses a bigger threat to health than anything steroids could ever pull off.

 

[wright878]

Uh oh. My husband has been right, my cat is FAT! She weighs 8 pounds. I guess we need to cut back on the treats (boy is she going to be hard to get along with).

 

[PitRottMommy]

Uh oh. My husband has been right, my cat is FAT! She weighs 8 pounds. I guess we need to cut back on the treats (boy is she going to be hard to get along with).

You can cut back on food instead if she prefers her treats and you feel she's getting a bit pudgy. Choosing lighter treats like boiled chicken, lamb or rabbit are great alternatives to the manufactured treats which are often very high in fat.

 

[ultra_stella]

Oh my gosh, I just got done watching the Human Society of the United States commercial about sad and tortured animals. . . I'm getting misty

How much does she weigh?

The tech said she was about 9 lbs (3.88 kg).

Below are links to a couple of pictures I took of her last night. It doesn't matter how many photos I take, she just seems bigger in her photos than she really is in real life. It's hard to consider her "overweight" because she just looks small in real life. I say she can fit in my purse and call her "Pocket size kitty!" But I suppose the numbers don't lie. The tech said she needs to lose about 1 1/2 pounds and we will do just that.

"You can't really go by the number when determining if your cat is overweight or underweight or just right, because there's no general rule that says "every sphynx should weigh 9 pounds". Every cat is different - you have to take into account her bone structure, size, muscle mass, etc. You shouldn't see her ribs, shoulders or hips sticking out, but you should easily be able to feel them, and she should have a slight hourglass figure when looking at her from above."

I can easily feel her shoulders, her hips and her ribs. Out of curiosity, I poured into a bowl what I would have put in the dish prior to measuring exactly and then I compared it to what the EXACT measurement should be and I wasn't too far ahead. BUT that does not mean she wasn't snacking on Izzy's. I already started the "only two meals a day" with the exact measurements as previously talked about. It's working out nicely. I look forward to the progress.

Last night's photos:
http://sphynxlair.com/album.php?albumid=71&pictureid=2275
http://sphynxlair.com/album.php?albumid=71&pictureid=2276

Not sure how relevant this is, but below are a couple of pictures I received from the breeder before Stella and I met. She's the smallest one and the "rounder" one of the three. She almost seemed to be a "round (not fat) runt".

http://sphynxlair.com/album.php?albumid=71&pictureid=778
http://sphynxlair.com/album.php?albumid=71&pictureid=779

STELLA SAYS HI. She was trying to walk on the keyboard. She has a hard time typing, so I did it for her.