Prednisone causing agression/chronic ear infections
Submitted by 2bds2010 on July 30, 2011 - 7:50pmThis is our 3rd bout with an ear infection. Same routine. Antibiotics+steroids+very expensive ear wash with baytril. Her ear gets so swollen that the only thing that helps is the steroids. She is on it for a total of 3 weeks. We are on the 2nd week and she is starting to attack my other bully. She will "stalk" him until he makes a move she doesnt like then she goes for the attack. This has happened every time she is on it, happening at about the same time-week 2. I have not brought this up to the vet yet but Im wondering is there any other meds instead of the prednisone that brings the swelling down. Also WHY do we keep getting the ear infections?? Or maybe they never really go away. Her ear gets almost full of fluid then starts to swell shut. Then the vomiting starts. Then we know its happening again.....
Prednisone
My advice is to take your bully to a specialist. My boy had chronic ear problems and canals were closing. A Dermatologist is the way to go. The Dr. put my boy on methyprednisolone. It is a similar steroid, but may also help your bully with agression problems. Also, the cause of the allergies can be food related or environmental. There are tests to take to find out the root of the problem. It can be a long process, but once you find out what exactly is causing the infections, you can then treat it properly. Good Luck!
Prednisone
I had a bully that stayed on prednisone about all the time and he never had any aggression issues. Mason was the sweetest bulldog and wouldn't hurt anyone/any other dog. I would ask the vet though if there is anything other then prednisone to help with the issues. Like I said my Mason was on prednisone a lot which can cause kidney issues etc. Mason ended up dieing from cancer and fluid around his heart which i'm almost positive was from kidney failure so of course I would advise not to use prednisone. Mason was only 6 years old when he died but i'm not positive the prednisone was what could have caused that but just to be on the safe side I wouldn't recommend it.
Long term use of prednisone
can cause more problems then it's worth. Vets that prescribe it want a quick result with no remedy. I would find a vet that can think outside the box a little and try to find the cause.
There is a med that can be applied directly into the ear to lessen the swelling, can't remember the name, sorry. You may want to have the vet check to see what bacteria is present, making it easier to prescribe the most effective meds.
Allergies, particularly to corn, seems to cause ear infections. Check your dog food.
Good luck
Lynn King CPDT-KA
Nola is on prednisone right
Nola is on prednisone right now too, and she has been very aggressive towards a dog or two in just the few days she's been on it! I might be calling the vet today to see if there is anything we can do. She is acting like a completely different dog.
If she's the Queen of Mardi Gras, what does that make me...?
Why is she taking it?
nm
Lynn King CPDT-KA
Interdigital cysts
she has IDC on her feet, the vet said we caught the breakout right before it exploded and got really bad. I did call the vet after reading this post and am waiting to hear back if I can take her of the 'roids, or switch to something else. She snapped at out new neightbor's dog (way to make a good first impression Nola) on Friday and my mom's dog on Saturday. I don't have to tell you all how loveable and laid back she normaly is.
If she's the Queen of Mardi Gras, what does that make me...?
I never give prednisone
if fact, even if my vet would normally prescribe it, knows not to even mention it to me. Again, it has a quick result but does not cure anything and can be so damaging long term. It breaks down the natural immune system.
The only time I would give it to any animal would be if they were terminally ill and the prednisone could provide some level of relief.
Soaking your dogs feet in 1 part bleach to 10 parts water might help with the cysts.
Lynn King CPDT-KA
Food
Roxy is on an all raw diet. I got to thinking....Could she be allergic to chicken?? That is the main base of her diet. She gets mostly necks/backs/wings then we add in beef heart alternating with green tripe mixed with organs. When she was on kibble many moons ago she was on a lamb and rice and had no issues other then a stinky dog and horrible tear stains.
I would love to know the name of that med to apply to the ear.
What are my alternatives to chicken??
She might be allergic to chicken
as far as an alternative, because you feed raw, you may want to post the question in a separate thread. There are a few very knowledgeable raw feeders that read this board.
Good luck
Lynn King CPDT-KA
opps just saw your on raw...remove the tripe
it sounds store made.... this could be the problem....also start with some cod liver tabs that will help with the omegas you need...change from beef heart to turkey...make sure your chicken is not enhanced..high sodium levels....added flavors ect....
you can try pork or turkey besides chicken....even rabbit most of my owners cockers who have horrible allergies go on rabbit first to clear up cocoker ears and feet...
ear infections are the first sign of food
allergies....thier is something in the diet that is causing the allergy....you need to go to a brown rice and hamburger diet (if not raw) for two weeks then start one at a time adding back the food...to see what could be casing the symptons...
this includes ALL treats.....