Prednisone for Allergies...long term risks?

[kiddiekakes]

So my vet has my Yorkie/Chi on 5mg Prednisone to help control his allergies which seem to be working ..A few weeks ago he scratched his eyes so bad he scratched the cornea in one eye and it got infected...What are the long term risks for my dog? (as I know how prednisone can be with hubby on it for Lupus...ugly drug)...Anyone have a dog on Prednisone for allergies..what if any are the side effects...Life expectancy?

[Tink04]

My little girl will likely be on Prednisone for the rest of her life due to the rare tumor she has... I don't like that idea, but I really have no choice in the situation, since it regulates her blood sugar. I have been in contact with others who have the same cancer she has, and most have been put on prednisone as well. They have cautioned to use the lowest dose as possible, due to the side effects. Few have had issues with hind-end weakness, and muscle issues - but these are all individuals who have pups with insulinoma so I don't know if it's different because of the disease. In general, when Tinks pred dosage was too high she got VERY sick (we actually thought we were loosing her) once it was lowered she has been great, frequent urination is the main side effect I see. (In the beginning she peed in her sleep a few times, but apparently thus is normal until they can get acclimated.)
However my dads golden doodle is on it only in the summer for her allergies - could this be an option or does your pup have allergies all year round?
Hope this helps, I would do the lowest dose possible

[megansmomma]

What type of prednisone was she given and what else have you tried to address her allergies?

[kiddiekakes]

the perscription say apo-prednisone 5mg...it is veterinarian controlled.We have tried changing food...chemicals in the house...cleaning and dusting more frequently...bathing more or less with special dog shampoo...Vet suggested allergy tests but they are expensive and the vet admits it still may not give us the correct reason or culprit as to what he is allergic too...he figures it is environmental and not food related...

[EarthAngel]

I had to do allergy testing with Bentley to find out exactly what he couldn't tolerate. The testing is very thorough...from foods to environment. I don't remember how much the testing was but the serum they made up for him worked and change in food. He had food, environmental and flea saliva allergies.

If you can save up for the testing while he is relieved temporarily with the prednisone would be the way to go, if you want to. Hoping others will tell about their allergic dogs, too.

[ladyjane]

I had a pup on prednisone for many years. He just passed this year and was estimated to be around 15 - 17; and the prednisone had nothing to do with his passing.

I had done the allergy testing, but the shots only made him worse. Tried all sorts of things and ended up putting him on Temeril P which has prednisone in it. His allergies were envrironmental (most are) and I found that certain times of the year he did not react as badly so the med was adjusted during those times. It is ideal to try to medicate every other day .. that way the adrenals still function. I often did that with him...and would just go back up during flair ups. You might want to ask your vet about that.
Bottom line though....if a low dose of prednisone is the best you can do/afford I personally don't see it as an issue.
Did your vet mention Apoquel? Not sure of the cost, but might help??

[megansmomma]

I would rather have a pet currently not suffering with allergies so severe they are injuring their eyes VS worrying about long term.

[Heymisskim]

hello! I had a lab mix with tons of allergies. According to the allergy test (yes, it was spendy) she was allergic to just about everything outside. We had the serum made and did the shots and would drive her 500 miles round trip about every 6 weeks to see her allergy doctior. We did the shots ourselves at home for about two years and she never improved. She also was on prednisone as well as another prescription. I tried all different kinds of food....from the most premium at the pet store to several varieties our vet would order for us that were super expensive....pheasant and rice, venison and rice, salmon and rice. She seemed to do the best on the salmon. But she still had to have prednisone daily as well as her expenisive human prescription and some supplements just to keep her comfortable. She would scratch herself raw, chew on her feet, and shake her head so much the tips of her ears would break off and never heal. And let me tell you, that was miserable. She would shake her head and little blood splatters would go all over my house. Then we met an agility trainer that suggested we try a real food diet with her, with raw chicken bones as the main part of the diet. I was freaked out about that, but desperate to try anything. The first time I gave her a raw chicken wing I was so nervous she was going to choke and die....but she chomped it down like she was a wolf in the wild and loved it. So she got a chicken wing twice a day, fruits and veggies, brown rice, oatmeal and yogurt. Kinda whatever we had, but always the chicken wings. I was amazed. She stopped shaking her head. Her ears healed, her hair grew back and she had the shiniest coat. She stopped scratching and chewing herself. At her worse, I previsouly had to give her 3 prednisones a day. On this diet, I could give her just one prednisone every 10-14 days. Our Aussie/blue healer mix did the diet too his coat never looked better. I have a 3.75 pound yorkie now that we just got 3 weeks ago and I am feeding her kibble that the breeder sent home with us....but honestly, I almost feel guilty giving her "dog food" since I know how well my big dogs did on the raw chicken bone diet. (But what kind of raw bone can you give a tiny dog?). I would love it if any yorkie owners could respond to that as it might help your little dog and I am curious if mine could have a non dog food diet as well. Good luck!!!!

[Wylie's Mom]

For year-round allergies, the best meds would be Atopica or Apoquel -- were those discussed?

For seasonal allergies, prednisone can be okay. For long term, pred isn't ideal but some pups may have no choice.

Read more about allergies here: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/die...tart-here.html

[Cooper2010]

I was having allergy shots given to my dog every 6-8 weeks. Without them he would chew constantly at his legs and the small of his back. A lady at a local pet shop suggested he may have food allergies. I've had him on Zignature Lamb for about 4 months now. He does not require the injections any longer.

It's a limited ingredient food, no wheat products or artificial colors. He has done exceptionally well with it. It may be worth a try. A 13 lb bag is around $35 but for him that's roughly a 4 month supply. A 4 lb bag is $15. I also make his treats now using a recipe I found that I substitute wheat flour with rice flour.

BTW, the vet never suggested a food allergy or change. They were fine to give him shots without finding a solution. He will be seeing a new vet next month.



Zignature Your Pet's Signature Dish for Life!

[gemy]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

For year-round allergies, the best meds would be Atopica or Apoquel -- were those discussed?

For seasonal allergies, prednisone can be okay. For long term, pred isn't ideal but some pups may have no choice.

Read more about allergies here: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/die...tart-here.html

I thought either or both the above medications had prednisone in them?

[gemy]

I too would try home feeding, but only done by a vet nutritionist.


How much this will translate to doggies I am not sure, but my friend had a child with severe allergies, and she did the following for her home


a) ripped out all the carpets - except throw ones that could be washed in her machine


b) unscented everything soaps shampoos etc. Hypoallergenic kinds


c) Steam cleaner for the floors


d) have furniture covers made so that she could remove and wash frequently.


e) Dusted and swept daily


f) special filters on furnace and A/C Hepa?


g) Linens on the bed changed frequently 2x at least per week.


h) All natural cotton or silk or linen clothing and bedwear.


That's about all that I can remember at the moment.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by gemy

I thought either or both the above medications had prednisone in them?

No, neither of them have any steroid whatsoever. They both work directly w/ the immune system.