AboutPatti Expertise To date, I've owned 7 dogs, all of which have lived into old age.
Having cared for them in all stages of life, I feel I can offer sound advice to other pet owners, and people considering getting a dog.
I am knowledgeable about the AKC (American Kennel Club) dog breeds, training and exercise, caring for sick and elderly pets, feeding, as well as many holistic treatments pets can benefit from.
My only request is that you write me using standard English and punctuation.
Experience My life experience in this field is more like "on the job training" rather than an actual degree in animal welfare. You may benefit from my experiences over the past 30 years.
Aside from the dogs I've owned, I'm also involved in "breed rescue" and have fostered several dogs, all of which have been adopted to wonderful "forever homes".
I find helping people who want a dog very rewarding.
Expert: Patti Date: 10/9/2007 Subject: Prednisone side effects
Question My 14 yr old miniature poodle had a short course of Prednisone (Microlone 5mg) in July this year, one tablet per day for 7 days then one every other day for 14 days. She also was on Millophyline-V Tabs. This was to treat a bad whooping cough she has had for a number of years, (I think as a result of a damaged trachea during dental treatment). She rapidly developed the usual side effects of increased appetite, thirst and resulting frequent urinating. It is approx 10 weeks since the Pred was stopped, her appetite is still greater than before - although I don't increase her intake she appears to want more and she is very restless, still drinking far more than before and I am constantly letting her go outside to avoid accidents in the house (something that has never happened since she was a little pup). The vet has done a blood test and ruled out diabetes, she mentioned Cushings but said it is quite a difficult disease to diagnose.
My question is, do you know of any medication that would reverse what appears to be a long lasting side effect of the Prednisone. My vet doesn't seem to think that it is possible to blame the Pred for her current condition - but what else could it be? I'd really welcome your comments. The cough is still there by the way but I try to keep her stabilised with 'Bricanyl' ELixir (terbutaline sulfate 0.3 mg/mL)
Regards
Alex (and Josie)
Answer Hi Alex,
In most dogs, the systemic side effects to Corticosteroids (Prednisone) are generally dependent on dose and duration of treatment. Short-term use of prednisone is unlikely to cause adverse effects.
In some dogs, the symptoms of increased thirst and frequent urination can occur when they are treated for long periods of time with high doses of cortisone. In these dogs with so-called "Iatrogenic Cushing's disease," the signs should resolve as the cortisone dose is tapered.
There are two types of Cushing’s syndrome: exogenous and endogenous. The symptoms for both are the same. The only difference is how they are caused. The most common is exogenous Cushing’s syndrome and is found in patients taking cortisol-like medications such as Prednisone. This type of Cushing’s is temporary and goes away after the patient has finished taking the cortisol-like medications.
Perhaps your dog is more sensitive to the effects of Prednisone, or maybe she was given a high dose. I couldn't tell you. Whichever the case, the symptoms should subside over time.
The long-term side effects of Prednisone use are not the symptoms you've been seeing, they are:
kidney damage, GI disturbance, diarrhea, vomiting, weight gain, GI ulceration, pancreatitis, lipidemia, elevated liver enzymes, diabetes mellitus, muscle wasting, and possible behavioral changes.
Using Prednisone for the 21 days you used it isn't considered "long term". Long term means months or years. But if your particular dog is sensitive to Prednisone, it may be possible to be seeing the extended side effects you're seeing. You'd have to ask your vet about this.
I had a dog which was thought to have Cushings, yet the tests always came back inconclusive. It's possible that something like this is going on with your dog. She may be a boarder-line case. If your dog has only been tested the one time for Cushings, I would repeat the test in about a month's time to see if there are any changes when compared to the results of the first test.
I'd say keep an eye on your dog, and give her frequent opportunities to go outside. It might help to withhold water over night, but you should let her drink as much as she feels she needs during the day.
If this continues to be a problem, you should definitely bring your dog back to the vet.
