Question about Prednisone

[digi4509]

Over the weekend I noticed Bella our 16 wk old was bitting at her tail constantly. I looked at it and it was all red and puffy we made her a appointment asap to the vet so we could get her on an antibiotic if it was infected.
The vet put her on prednisone and anyone I told she was on it said that was not an antiobiotic but a steroid. She is supposed to take a half a tablet twice a day and then lower it to a half every day till the medication is out. Is she on the right medication or should I have another vet look at her. Since she has been on it she is not bitting at it as much and does not look as red. I just want to make sure she is getting the correct treatment.

 

[BooBoo & Riley]

Personally I hate Predesone because it is way too strong of a medicine to give for the first dignosis... You could have just given him benedyl to ease the itching... I can't stand vets that don't want to take a slower approach and feel like they have to cut to the chase right away even though our dogs are being drugged up so much.

But now that you've got him on it, you can not stop, even if the problem has ceased, you need to finish the medicine as prescribed... Make sure to give lots of extra water and lots of extra potty breaks because Prednesone will dehydrate them. Also he might have slight behavioral changes, a turn of more grumpiness while he's on it... I hope at least you vet told you to look out for these symptoms that are associated with Prenesone...if not, I would definately go find another vet... Hope things get better for you baby real soon.

 

[ssleighter]

I agree with BooBoo & Riley, prednisone should only be used in extreme cases, especially in young pups and senior dogs.

Prednisone is a steriod. It is commonly prescribed for severe allergic reactions such as facial swelling and itching. I keep it on hand because of Hammer's allergies, but I always try benedryl first. If he has a severe allergic reaction I only have to give him one dose of prednisone usually, so I am unsure why your vet thought the problem was severe enough to put her through a complete steroid regimen? Maybe it was, and I just can't tell from your post that it was that severe.

Long term use of prednisone is to be avoided, and most vets know this. A week or so should not be a problem. But I would also suggest trying benedryl next time and see if that doesn't clear it right up.

 

[BeckyNC]

I do not feel your vet necessarily made a bad decision to put your girl on prednisone. Prednisone is prescribed to ease an inflammation. Your girl caused her tail to become inflamed by biting at it. A steroid taper is frequently prescribed to ease such inflammations. I have been prescribed steroid tapers (Medrol, which is methylprednisolonone) for a badly pulled muscle and an irritated ulnar nerve.

A steroid taper every once in a while should cause no harm to anyone, unless they are inclined to have an allergic reaction. It is not ideal for anyone to be on a prednisone long term. Sometimes it's used in people (and dogs) to help with the symptoms of a cancer diagnosis or a disease such as Crohn's diesase or ulcerative colitis (during a flare-up), as well as many others. When prescribed under these circumstances there are associated risks. For instance, it can affect the immune system and make someone more prone to lymphoma. Again, though, used in a short-term taper, prednisone is relatively safe.

 

[crazychopper]

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

 

[BooBoo & Riley]

I am not saying that Predesone doesn't work, I just disagree that it should be used as the first remedy. I'm saying this because my vet did the exact same thing, the very first time I brought my dog in for an allergic rash. Taking steroids and anti-botics often for many of these oft occuring health issues can not be good for our dogs. These should be reserved for more serious problems that require the stronger medicine.

Many times I've chosen not to take my dogs to the vet because I am informed enough (thanks in part to this forum) to try some remedies myself first for minor issues... like Rubitussin and Vitimin C for kennel cough, or benedryl for allergies... right now I'm using a tropical steroid applied directly to my dog's paws for their slight winter rashes, which I might add is working just fine.

 

[Scrapper's Mom]

I really don't like to have my furkids on prednisone; it really screws up their kidneys, they pee all over the house because they can't hold it since it makes them drink water constantly.

If you have a situation where there is a minor inflammation and confined to a small area, I have had good luck with a topical cortizone cream that you can buy over the counter. It's the same thing, but actually applied to the sore area and doesn't get the rest of their system. Of course, if it's something more extensive, maybe that wouldn't work for you.

BooBoo & Riley - why do you say you have to continue to give the pred for as long as prescribed? Just curious, since it's not an antibiotic which might cause drug resistance if stopped too early. I personally use it as little as possible when my vet prescribes it, cut the pills in half, quarters, etc. Of course, I'm no doctor, so take that for what it's worth, but I give the barest minimum to get the result and only when absolutely necessary.

 

[Thomas Liggin]

Our first Boxer, Rocky, had allergy problems from time to time. Most of them were seasonal, and the one that plagued him the most was ground mold in the late summer and early fall.

The symptoms were a constant licking and nibbling at his paw and scratching his ears. The hairless tissues inside his ear flaps and the skin between his toes would become scarlet, and his ministrations to those areas exacerbated the problem.

Our vet recommended Benadryl, but gave us Prednisone along with instructions on its proper use. When the benadry didn't provide relief, he'd go on the prednisone, followed by benedryl. Most of the time, the benadryl did the trick.

Indy had one outbreak of hives when he was about ten months old. He will be three on December 23rd, and has not had any reactions since.

At sixteen weeks, Bella's immune system is not fully developed. She may grow out of this particular allergy. However, in the event she does have allergies, it would be wise to discuss having an epi pen in your first aid kit with your vet.

Some allergies can be life threatening. They can cause swelling which restricts the breathing passages. Your vet is in the best position to help make a judgement call concerning the epi pen.

Chances are you won't need it. Your vet will be able to make that call depending on the frequency and severity of any allergic reaction.

The most common cause of allergies in Boxers may be their diet. For instance, wheat, which is found in many dog foods is a common allergen.

We had to put Rocky on a lamb and rice diet, and that solved a lot of his problems including a scaly nose.

Good luck to you and Bella. Keep us informed.

 

[BeckyNC]

"Cortisones are remarkably safe for most people when used for brief periods of several weeks or less. Some people taking cortisones for short periods have no unpleasant side effects; however, disturbances of sleep patterns and increased appetite are common. Others will notice weight gain resulting from fluid retention or changes in mood--usually nervousness, trouble sleeping, and restlessness. Sometimes, there is indigestion. These side effects are usually minor, and disappear after your physician stops the cortisone. If you're having troublesome side effects, please contact me."

This came from the following website:
http://www.skinsite.com/info_prednisone_cortisone_internal.htm

I think taking a 7 or 10 day taper (or is it 14?) should not cause too many side effects. It made my mom a little nervous once, but such side effects go away quickly.

If a person/dog has been on prednisone for an extended period of time, stopping it "cold turkey" can have adverse effects on the body. On the other hand, stopping a 7-10 (14?) day taper, should have no ill effects if you stop it suddenly. Before doing so, I'd ask the vet, though.

 

[digi4509]

update

The vet did give me the possible side effects when the medication was given to me at there office so I was aware of the side effects. She has been drinking alot more and having to take more trips outside. After your responses I called the 24 hour vet and they pretty much gave me the same instructions not to just stop giving them to her but to wean her off of them.
When I brought her in the vet never mentioned allergies could have been the problem, she seemed to think when the breeder got her tail docked that that it might not have healed all the way and she might have scraped the scab off.

Bella is doing better though she is not bitting at it as much. She is running around and playing like her normal self which is a good sign.

Thank you again for all of the replies