Hi everyone, our 6.5 year old girl, Hope, was recently found to have a mass in her chest on x-ray by our vet, which was performed after several months of coughing that didn't respond to antibiotics. Our vet and the radiologist believe it's a thymoma; vet didn't feel comfortable biopsying it due to risk but that seemed the most likely diagnosis. Apparently the most effective treatment is surgery and/or radiation, both of which are not options for us in our area. The vet recommended oral Prednisone to help slow the progression.
Last week we were at the higher dosages (.25 ml 2x/ day for 3 days, them 1x/ day for 3 days). It was a miracle: the coughing stopped, she was energetic, very hungry and thirsty but no other issues.
We've now tapered down to the lowest dose, .25 ml/ every 2 days. The cough seems to be returning, not as frequent or intense as before but it's coming back. Just a few minutes ago (4 am PST), she had a coughing bout that woke me up. It was pretty intense lasted several minutes. I messaged our vet to see if it is okay to go back on a higher dose of the Prednisone. I know that there's the possibility she will develop a resistance to the Prednisone, or that it may cause issues with her immune system or GI tract, but for now those risks seem worth the tradeoff if the medication controls her symptoms.
This has been an extremely hard situation for me. My rabbits are my babies. I am very attached. I had to start an antidepressant last week because of this. I know we're in a palliative care situation but I want to give her a good quality of life and she seems very vital other than this damn thymoma.
I am wanting to hear from folks who've been through this, specifically long term usage of Prednisone to control thymoma. Please be kind. Thank you, and love on those bunnies while you can.
by needalime