Immuno Suppressive Therapy....any info?

[Tina]

My one-year-old cat, Mouse, has been diagnosed with a rare bone marrow disorder (Immune Mediated Erythroid Aplasia). Apparently that means that her immune system is destroying her erythroids (in the bone marrow, they produce new red blood cells). She has been treated with steroids for the past 6 weeks to increase red cell production (and it has saved her life!) but we go to the vet tomorrow to discuss immuno suppressive therapy as once the steroid treatment stops the problem will arise again unless the immune system is dealt with.

Does anyone have any idea what the treatment is? Is it pills? Will she need to take them long-term, forever? What extra precautions do I need to take to protect her from illness if her immune system is suppressed?

She, and our other cat, are indoor cats, both have regular flea treatments, and all of their yearly vaccines, and both have been tested (and been negative) for FeLV and FIV.

Would appreciate any info people have about this treatment!

[smudgley]

I've had a dog with AIHA (Auto immune haemalitic anaemia - which is basically the same condition)
I think your vet is the best person to discuss your Q's with.
Has your cat recently had a vaccine?

[yola]

I'm sorry, I don't have any experience of the condition or the treatment. It sounds extremely specialist though. Please let us know how you and Mouse get on and also what the potential treatment is likely to consist of. Good luck!

[angieh]

Yes, sorry Tina - I have no experience of this disorder. I am extremely sorry for Mouse and for you. Smudgely and Yola are right, it does sound highly specialised and the vet is the best person to talk to about it. Maybe try writing down all the questions you want answered between now and tomorrow so that you don't come out and remember something later you wanted to ask. I hope you do feel you can talk to your vet and that you are treated properly?

Please do let us know how things go.

[Tina]

Hi All,

Thanks for the responses! Mouse is on steroids (prednisone) and this IS apparently the immuno suppressive treatment. We reduce her dose in one more week (she's been on high dose for about 6 weeks) and keep her on that dose for a month, and then reduce again. So just need to keep watch for a relapse while we find the right dose for her. If she relapses we have to up the dose again and start all over! She's doing well for now though and is very brave and takes her medication without complaint......she's such a good baby!