Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I posted a few months ago about my 11 year old male who was diagnosed with intestinal lymphoma. He has been on Lukeran and Prednisone since Jan 1 and seems to be doing quite well---he has energy, good bowel movements, doesn't vomit aside from the ocassional hairball, and his appetite is actually heartier than it ever was (that's the Prednisone, I bet).

He lost a lot of weight when he was sick, but despite the increased food intake he has not gained much weight back, perhaps a half a pound at most. He even looks a bit scrawny, though not unhealthy or emaciated. The vet says not to worry about that---weight gain can take many months, if it happens at all.

Any thoughts? Many thanks!

Hi There,

This is the kind of update I love to hear about! I'm so glad that your baby is doing well on his chemo

Perhaps you can try adding more calories to his diet to see if it helps. Whatever he likes is fine as long as he can digest it well. My cats love cheese, chicken, strained meat baby foods (with no onion added). Cat treats are fine as well as increasing dry food for the extra calories. There is also a suppliment known as Nutri-Cal that might help him put on some weight. Some cats really like the taste and will take it readily right from the tube.

Take care, and thanks again for the wonderful update!

Regards,
PHKitkat

Thank you. Yes, I am familiar with Nutrical and give him an inch or so daily, which he sometimes takes eagerly (sometimes it gets smeared over the roof of his mouth). I have other cats and they eat dry food, which he delves into, as well. I may try giving him larger portions of wet food.