My kitty was recently diagnosed with histoplasmosis. An accurate

My kitty was recently diagnosed with histoplasmosis. An accurate diagnosis took about three months - we basically "lucked" into the histoplasmosis. He presents with severe anemia, fever, weight loss and general malaise. A biopsy of a granular looking third eyelid gave us histoplasmosis. He''s under the care of a Vet Specialty clinic and a feline vet. Here''s my question: while were were trying to get his red blood count up, the vet had him on prednisone. The vet specialist who diagnosed him with histo put him on an antifungal, taking him off he pred. He''s gone downhill rapidly (in a matter of days) since taking him off the pred...he''s now lame in his right hind, his eye is infected where they did the biopsy and he hasn''t eaten since yesterday morning. I''m taking him in tomorrow, but I''m wondering if he can be on the pred along with the antifungal? The pred really helped him feel better...thanks for any help offered...sue

Optional Information:
Age: 9; Male; Breed: domestic shorthair cat

Already Tried:
prednisone, antifungal, antibiotics, see question for details...

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

I can see the dilemma here... It sounds like the prednisone was suppressing some inflammation around the body, possibly inflammation caused by the fungal infection. THe problem is, that Prednisone has some immuno-suppressive actions as well as anti-inflammatory actions, and can really slow down the healing process during recovery from a fungal infection. Therefore, to gi veyour kitty the best shot at killing the infection, the prednisone must be stopped.

Now, there are still other options for inflammation and pain, without suppressing the immune system, so all is not lost...

Buprenorphine is a nice painkiller for cats, it is related to morphine and can be applied to the gums or under the tongue 2 to 4 times a day for pain relief. Metacam is an anti-inflammatory that has to be used very cautiously in cats, but can be used if there is significant inflammation going on.

I hope this was helptful to you -- let me know if you need more info.

Good Luck,
Drew

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My kitty was recently diagnosed with histoplasmosis. An ...

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