Question about Prednisone

[BooBoo & Riley]

Genie,
The one and only time the vet prescribed Prednesone for BooBoo, he didn't tell us anything about the side effects. When I realized what was happening with him, I called the vet's office in which they finally explained the side effects to me. So I took him off of it right away (of course they didn't warn me of that), which caused BooBoo to turn from a gentle giant into a horrible terror when it came to his temper... he was snapping at Courage for no reason and then he started snapping at me as well. That's when I did my research and realized that I had to wean him off...

Side note to Becky, I took BooBoo off Predesone cold turkey like 2-3 days after the first pill and that's when he snapped... so I don't know about this 7-10 period that you're talking about...

That is one ordeal that I do not ever want to go through again.

 

[BeckyNC]

Boo Boo & Riley--I was actually referring to the length of a steroid taper (short-term use of a steroid). Tapers are often 7 days or 10 days, I believe, if the problem is minor.

 

[Scrapper's Mom]

Boo-Boo & Riley - Hmm, that's interesting, because my vet has never said to taper off the meds. But, fortunately, I've never been given more than for just a couple of days or maybe a week so I really can't speak to long-term usage. Thanks for the info.

 

[lafsalot]

In view of the fact that your furbaby's docked tail may not have healed all the way, I think the short term use of prednisone may have been warranted, epsecially since it was causing so much irritation. Both my daughter and I are severe asthmatics, and have gone on a round of prednisone whenever we've had an exacerbation of symptoms with no ill affects. Prednisone is similar to a natural hormone produced by your adrenal glands. It often is used to replace this chemical when your body does not make enough of it. It relieves inflammation and is used to treat some forms of arthritis, disorders of the skin, blood, kidney, eye, thyroid, and intestine, in addition to severe allergies and asthma. Prednisone is also used with other drugs to prevent rejection of transplanted organs and to treat certain types of cancer. I also attribute the use of prednisone for reducing the brain swelling that occurred in one of my dogs, and for improving the quality of life for the remaining time we had with her. Adverse effects are usually seen when immune-suppressive dosages are prescribed, and/or in long term use (several months). At any rate, glad your little furbaby is feeling so much better ~ Cathy

 

[LuVsHeRBoXeR]

Prednisone is not so bad....

Of course, if it is in moderation and tapered the correct way, it can be very useful. For inflammation, your adrenal glands are not produsing enough adrenal fluid. Prednisone actually helps to produce more of the adrenal fluid so the skin isn't so dry, itchy and inflammed. The reason for the tapering is if they didn't taper it, the adrenal glands would shut down and then there would be a need to keep the dog on it forever. Tomi was on it..off and on for his skin allergies. Also, the 4th stage of his lymphosarcoma he was put on it for comfort. It isn't all that bad. Buuut, I will tell you what my vet said here in San Francisco. He is BTW, one of the BEST vets I have ever had and he knows boxers. Predinisone ages them faster than they ordinarily would age. Not sure how fast, I believe he said a month faster. Anyhow, I think the vet did the right thing. If you have an infection due to allergies and inflammation, immediate assistance is required. Benadryl works, but it takes longer to kick in.

 

[digi4509]

Update on Bellas tail

Friday night Bella kept bitting at her tail again while she was on her medication. We called the vet the next morning and got another apt with another Doctor at the same vets office. He was looking at it and says where the skin on the tail tore, is now forming a growth that needs to be removed. I asked if when she had it docked when she was a pup that he may have done a bad job, however he said he has seen this before. She is going in on Monday and they are going to go in and put her on a anasthetic and remove the groth and sew it back up. I am nervous about her having this done but know it is for the best.

Thanks again for all the advice.

 

[lafsalot]

Hope Bella is soon on the mend after her surgery. Sending you positive and healing thoughts ~ Cathy

 

[KeliK]

I came here looking for information on prednisone. My vet prescribed pred for him 9 mos ago. And me, gullable me, gave it to him, and never questioned it.
It worked so well. With his itching ears. He was perscribed 2 tablest every other day. If I skipped a dosage, I could tell, his ears would itch like crazy.
As I started getting involved with Legacy Boxer Rescue, I learned from people that long term use of pred is not such a good idea.
Well I didnt know any better and just stopped him suddenly. I ( luckily) didnt have any problems. We switched his food,( from nutro max to solid gold, lamb and rice) and started giving him canine acidolphilus. His ears are still itching some. But I noticed some changes about him... the changes were so gradual I didnt notice his coat thinning, and a black-ish tint on his skin, on his underside. His energy has come back. and he is like a puppy.
I have been giving him benedryl.. and it helps some.
I just dont know how or where to go about finding out what he is allergic to.
I am finding a new vet. When I discussed my concerns with the vet, he said he had a lhasa apsa on it for 17 yrs, and never had a problem.
Whatever...
Why do vets prescribe the stuff so easily, when there are so many negatives of the drug.
Yeah, it stopped his itching almost instatnly, but what about the liver damage... and all :-(
I dont know what to do either...

 

[digi4509]

Bella is all better now. She has a few stiches on her tail where the vet fixed the sore. And the vet said to quit giving her the prednisone. A few hours after the surgery she came running inside ate and played so she does not seem to be in any pain.
Thank you for all the help again.

 

[Lava Linda]

i agree with the last thread if used as directed for short term pred is a good drug. its ok to trust your doctor they did go to school for a reason, i don't mean to disrespect anybody but every thing a vet does doesn't have to be questioned. Yes there are some vets not to trust, but your asking the advise of most people who don't have a vmd or dvm behind their name

I'm glad your pooch is doing better, but wanted to respond to this post. I think it's essential to question your vet's decisions in a respectful manner, if you've heard or read information that conflicts, or if you don't undertand the reason for something. It's essential for you to do the same with your own doctor as well.

I've worked with scores of vets over the last 25 years, and there are good ones and not so good ones, as with any profession. Finishing the degree does not mean they're good decision makers, that they don't get in a hurry or have bad days. Any decent vet will understand that you're questioning them not out of disrespect, but out of concern for your pet, and they'll take the time to explain their reasoning and consider your point of view.

Just my 2 cents...