http://www.vetcentric.com/magazine/magazineArticle.cfm?ARTICLEID=979
http://www.animalhealthcare.ca/contents/content.asp?id=277&cat=dogs

This is the beginning of an informative article on the over-prescription of steroids (This website is no longer available but the information below is still prudent):
quote:
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Like antibiotics, steroids are one of the most abused classes of drugs in the orthodox veterinarian field of medicine. At one time, they were reserved for the extreme emergency cases. Today, they are being used on the most trivial of conditions.

Why? They give the appearance of an "instant" miracle cure, which matches the ‘expectation’ level of the client. So, many vets turn to steroids as the first, rather than the last, line of attack for their anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects.
Steroids mimic the action of the adrenal glands, the body’s most powerful regulator of general metabolism. Far from being a wonder drug "cure all" steroids cannot cure one single condition. All they do is suppress the body’s ability to express a normal response. Occasionally this type of suppression will give the body a chance to heal itself. But more often, the effect is immediate, devastating and can cause permanent damage.

The medical community seems to have a particular blind spot about these drugs, refusing to believe that steroids can cause the terrible carnage that the manufacturers have long admitted to.

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Very interesting and a real eye-opener!
Also very sad....:(
Thanks for sharing.
:)

Thanks Black as night. I hope we can all read this and take the opportunity to question our vets as to the long term benefits or RISKS when they prescribe steriods for our dogs.

Boy is my Digger an example of this! In my allegy nightmare, he is ALWAYS prescribed Temeril P...which of course clears him up in a day and a half no problem...until you go off it!

Thanks for posting...very interesting for me, especially in the midst of my new Holistic approach.

Black as Night, thank you for sharing this information. I have an experience to share.

Moonpie had skin allergies that, for years, were treated with a steroid shot every 2-5 months, depending on her 'itchiness.' We acknowledged that we were trading her current comfort in return for time off of her lifespan but decided that the tradeoff was worth it.

In January I switched Moonpie's kibble from Pedigree to California Natural L&R. Well, she has not needed a shot since January. And now that she is approaching 9, I am facing the consequences of that decision.

Moonpiesdad, I think this is why Black as night and I, among others, hope that everyone will learn the true nature of steriods. How many of us can go to our vets or doctors and really understand what the potential side effects of some treatments are.

As a culture we are so demanding of a "quick fix" that I think this is why steroids and antibiotics have become overprescribed by doctors. Only so few people understand that is what is being prescribed and don't question it. It's not that these types of drugs don't have a place in treatment, we just worry that other, longer term treatments are being overlooked over those that provide a quick, limited result.

I understand what you are saying. I am trying a 'nontraditional' course of treatment for a condition that has troubled me for years. It is far too early to say that it is working, but I am avoiding mainstream medications and complications.

I haven't had to give my girls any prescriptions either since changing foods. They both had skin irritations that I narrowed down to being an allergic reaction to wheat. My vet and I have started using acupuncture for ear infections, and it seems to be working quite well. My babies don't seem to be bothered by it, and it avoids the pills and injections;)

That's EXCELLENT news, Neonshrk! Is yours a traditional vet offering alternative treatment?

So glad to hear the girls are doing well on their new food!

Yes Zen, she is! She is trying to learn as much as possible about alternative methods to holistic healing than relying on the traditional "medicines". She is the only one in our city and surrounding area that does acupuncture as an alternative means to healing. I got tired of paying for antibiotics and injections when they seemed to be doing nothing for the ailment and that led me to believe that it was only hurting my girls even more! I told her about the board and how we all love our babies to much to subject them to needless suffering. She was at first skeptical until I showed her some research I had done on my own regarding foods that have large percentages of wheat and corn instead of meat or fish as the main ingredient. It has been almost a year now since I have been to the vet for skin problems, and I attribute that to changing to a food that is high in protein (fish) and has NO wheat! We also started feeding them fresh veggies, which they just love!:p: The ear infections that Anubis used to get quite frequently are starting to appear less frequently as well!:D

It really does my heart good to hear that, Mike. I recently discovered after bringing Drum to the vet last week that the vet who discovered/removed Grip's obstruction this summer has "holistic leanings" while the other vets in the practice don't. He's only there on Mondays, but I'm going to make a point of using him from now on. He believes in titering vs annual vaccines, and the other vets there gave me a bit of a hard time when I refused Drum's annual boosters this year.

Boy I wish i was seeing such a change in Digger! I have been thru all the food changes including Wellness, now Natural balance duck and potato, and a second round of "remedy" from the holistic vet. He still scratches himself to sleep :( I am trying very hard to be patient, but I hate the days where he just lays in ball in his crate and sleeps...doesn't even look up. I crawl into the crate with him and give him snuggles. His face is so sad. praying for a miracle!

How long since you switched foods, 2labcru? And how did the holistic vet visit go, what did he/she say about the scratching?

I hope he gets some relief soon :(

Well, I've been chasing the food issue since I got them for 3 yrs now. I have been thru it all. I had incredible luck with Cal Nat lamb and rice until the spring when he just exploded again. They didn't tolerate Wellness very well...and even when i give them omega 3's they get an odd smell and their coats are greasy and smelly. the holistic was surprised at his immediate reaction to his detox remedy, and he's just had his second one last Wed and i am to call next Wed. I can't figure out what else could cause him such stress. They get NO people food other than veggies, i stopped the fruit because they were having reactions after i did the total elimination diet and started adding back in. My only weird-o thought is our water. It is very hard. I only use a steam cleaner with distilled water on my floors, i use no febreeze or spray deoderants, they don't sleep on balnkets, just in their crates, and the worst of it is that his littermate brother has a perfect coat and skin! I am gonna keep being patient with these remedies as per Black as Night's pep talks and see where I am in the spring when it gets really bad. Until then I keep asking in my prayers for his comfort! Any suggestions to pass along??

Originally posted by Original2labcru
....just in their crates, and the worst of it is that his littermate brother has a perfect coat and skin!
Any suggestions to pass along??

I should look up more often, I completely missed your post.

I could almost cry with you :( . I was hoping Digger was improving, so sorry that he's still about the same :(.

Mind if we brain storm?

There's a lady here whose choc Lab is allergic to plastic, once she removed all the plastic; toys, crate, etc., that part of emmapie's allergies got better. Her holistic vet found this out with kinesiology...amazing story. What about Digger's crate, is it a plastic one?

Another lady here, Amy's boy Obi has just been diagnoised with autoimmune disease. Please see this thread:

http://www.lab-retriever.net/board/showthread.php?s=&postid=254959#post254959

Any connection here with Digger?

I read all the things you're doing right. What about his shampoo, your rug cleaning shampoo, your perfume, your laundry detergent/fabric softener, your house plants (I know someone whose dog is allergic to the molds living in the soil of house plants)?????

Now as for his food. How does Digger do on a bland diet of rice and boiled hamburger, does he react to it?

And funny enough, it could be the water he drinks, too. I read in this book: http://www.medicine-book.com/Holistic_Guide_for_a_Healthy_Dog_1582451532.html where this dog was in terrible shape,... once the water was changed to natural spring water (I think it was), the dog improved.

What remedy is he currently on? What are the next plans?

been MIA, I have been sick and was lurking, but no energy to post. Thanks for the threads. I feel in that numb bubble stage of which way do i go next. He got his second remedy last wed...don't ask me why i was dumb enough NOT to ask what it was....he was having some relief, now today he is chewing at his feet and forearms again! I am so frustrated. I know I have to be patient, but that is not a strong point of mine. He is weeping from the eyes a bit, which isn't normal for him, so hopefully whatever is in thsi remedy is pulling something out of him.

OK, that allergy to plastic is too damned scary! that means no toys, right? wouldn't rubber be considereda form of plastic or vice versa? His crate is metal with hard plastic bottom.

His shampoo is Chlorhexiderm...recommended by my breeder. Vet said oatmeal, but i don't get as much relief on his skin with that.

Don't use rug shampoo anymore...just threw out the rug and bought a cheapie. DH thought it nmight have been steam cleaner shampoo too, so he said we'll buy one really nice area rug to keep in closet just for company, and keep buying el-cheapos for everyday.

I have changed perfume, but he has always had this problem, so I don't think it's that....I use Tide as my DH is allergic to anything else, and can't use fabric softener or dryer sheets for same reason.

I have 2 plants...a jade and a fern.

I don't know about the boiled rice and hamburger...he's never had it. Kodi had it when he was sick a while back, but just for 2 days.

I am going to try the water thing...that has been onmy mind since it is the only thing we haven't tried to change.

I am up here and he is chewing so furiously he is giving himself his own puppy leg! He is just going crazy! I can't stand to listen to it, I have top close the door or I can't concentrate on anything else because it makes me feel so guilty that I am not taking correct and good care of him.

My next step is to call in for a phone consult next Wed....the actuall rash lookingpart is gone, it's just the chewing and he still scratches his belly with his hind leg while standing up. My brother came up to walk them for me since i was sick and he said he couldn't get 3 feet without stopping to scratch. I will address all these things with her next Wed when i call...especially the autoimmune disease.

Thanks for your constant concern and help...you have no idea how it makes me feel to have someone in my corner! I feel so helpless and like if i ever took him back to visit the breeder, she would take him back from me!

Hi there

My lab is allergic to plastic, so maybe sharing my lab's experience will help with your lab....

re: toys, emma CAN have those kong toys. they make LOTS of varieties and shapes and chewing strengths on those that she has not been bored with them. we also use those ropes with knots in them. we also give her raw turkey necks to give her more chewing action and large whole carrots to get her chewing urge out. :)

the bottom of her crate that she used to be kept in is plastic, and i would recommend the crate bottoms that are metal, as well as the crates that have metal bars on them so your lab wont have to be surrounded in allergy inducing plastic while in the crate. be careful with the nylon coated bars though, as that counts as plastic too.


she used to play with a soccer ball too that she loved. i think the vinyl in the soccer ball material though was contributing to the symmetrical rash she had around the lower parts of her jowels (where the ball and nylabones were making contact with her skin).

life does go on after plastic is removed :) we even replaced her collar that had a plastic buckle on it as that had direct contact with her fur and she had lots of dandruff on her neck area (dandruff being a allergic reaction). we replaced it with a leather collar that has a metal buckle and ring for her tags. we also got her new tags that were metal instead of plastic too.

now, whenever i am out buying stuff for her, and with xmas coming up, i am always screening the toys to look for plastic in them, or if there are any toy parts on the toy that are plastic too that would be off limits.

hope this helps! i would be happy to share more about it if you have more questions on this.

OH, like black as night said, we did muscle testing on emma (kinesiology) which is how we learned about her plastic allergy officially. before then, i was noticing the fur around the sides of her mouth becoming irritated and the excessive dandruff on her neck. since we've become non plastic now :) she no longer has those symptoms.


they make plastic food bowls so be sure to steer away from those and buy stainless steel ones instead. nothing like eating your food in a bowl that you are allergic too to create a reaction too! how uncomfortable!

Thanks for the post...what in the world made you realize it was plastic? Did you try everything else first or were you able to figure it out pretty much right away?

I am very intersted in the kinesiology...what is it, and how exactly does testing on muscles reveal a plastic allergy? (very interesting!)

They do eat and drink out of stainless bowls, but i guess I will check into their toys by going back to stores and reading what they are made of....will it differentiate between plastic and rubber on the tag?

I am still hoping to be patient with the homeopathy, but now there are other avenues i can investigate in the mean time to keep on top of it. If one thing doesn't work, I can move into another.

Thanks so much for your post! :)

Thanks for posting your experience emmapie :).

Maybe it's plastic, maybe not, but we'll keep digging until we find what bothers Digger so much.

Original2, do you use Tide-free laundry detergent?

If all else fails, it has to be something in the kibble causing Digger, and you this misery. Would you consider trying a homemade diet as a trial?

Sure hope you feel better very soon. I saw in General Chat you need some surgery. You're in my thoughts and prayers for a complete and speedy recovery!!! :hug:

Hmmm, i guess my immediate thought to homemade food is "no way, i don't have time"...but ya know what if I can be on here as much as I am then i can try homemade. I don't know if i could be as thourough as the "raw diet", but I would try something. Is rice and boiled hamburger considered a homemade option that would give him what he needs?

Thanks for the thoughts! My DH is away this week and I am such a chicken! So cross all those paws that we are leaving everything well enough alone! LOL!

hi again,

just called my holistic vet, and got the website for you about the muscle testing for allergies.

http://vetnaet.com/



we "discovered" the plastic allergy really thru the muscle testing.
before that, our traditional vet said that the cause of emma's skin rash that was symmetrical around the sides of her mouth (lower jaw) was likely due to chewing on something, and that is why it was not only symmetrical, but also raw and irritated. we took away the nylabones at that point, and got some improvement. i had no idea the extent of the plastic allergy until meeting with my holistic vet, and using the process described in the website above. in the muscle testing, we were able within 4 minutes, eliminate the active allergy reaction to the plastic. she still cant have plastic, although there is a part of kinesiolgy that can actually REVERSE an allergy. so, what once got processed by the body as an allergen, will then register as a nonallergen. we havent gotten that far yet at this point as emma had over 30 things in her food, environment that she was testing positive for as an allergy. so, we are working on widdling those down first.

Thanks so much for the eye opener! Do you know whether novoprednisone is a steroid (if not what is ti???)
Thanks again

Kevin, yes it is a steriod, that's why others and myself here stress our concerns when our beloved pets are put on them by vets.

There are alternatives.......

thanks so much...You have me so scared...She is already on it...It disapoints me to know that vets are like that I thought mine was good. How do I figure out whether it is her food or outdoor conditions. What do you think about oil additives. PLease help! SSHould I stop her meds half way through???

Hi Kevin,

This is your last post

Dakota always had a flaky skin problem, but recently she has been chewing and scratching herself a lot. She is scratching her arms, legs and underside mostlywhich leads me to believe it is outdoor related. she is in ponds and farmer's fields often. My vet put her on Novoprednisone. Anyone familiar with this drug or any suggestions greatly appreciated.

Never just 'stop' steriod drugs, always slowly wean them off, and ALWAYS discuss with your vet first.

Has Dakota ever been on steriod drugs before this time, if so, how often and how long?

It's not to say that you're vet isn't good, the over use of steriod drugs is taught in vet school so that's what they go with.

On the upside of it, a lot of traditional vets know of the alternatives to steriods, and ALL holistic/traditional vet do, too.

Let's go through exactly what Dakota is eating for food and treats and see if we can figure this out to help Dakota and you.

Dakota is eating puppy Innova and 3tspns of the Missing Link/day. I use the Innova as her treat aswell. The odd time I give her Northern biscuits but she loves the kibble just as much. I should mention we don't feed her scraps and she only eats dry food. She drinks 2-3 cups of water a day. Thanks agian for your concern...I'd be lost without you.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by kevin
Dakota is eating puppy Innova and 3tspns of the Missing Link/day. I use the Innova as her treat aswell.

Has Dakota eaten any other kibble and treats before? If so, which ones?

What are her symptoms on the Innova; chronic itch, biting/licking her paws, butt scooting, face and body rubbing (against you or the furniture) dry/flaky coat, runny eyes, dirty/smelly ears?????

I should mention we don't feed her scraps and she only eats dry food.

You know Kevin, it's too bad that you don't share some of your human grade food with her, that's actually were they get more of the nutrition they need. Dry kibble is oven cooked and with the cooking heat, kibble looses a lot of the essential nutritions dogs need, that's why supplementing their diets with certain 'good' extras is a good thing.

It's fine to share small portions of your apple (peeled and cored - no apple seeds), banana, orange, cantelope, green beans, carrots, most green veggies with Dakota. All in moderation and spread over a day or so. Grapes, raisins, onions, rhubarb, pototo eyes are all toxic to dogs and should be avoided.

Why are you giving her the Missing link?

Dakota ate pro plan for a few months since that is what our breeder fed her. Solig Gold treats a couple months ago.

Her symptoms are her itching her unside and legs. She has almost always had dry flaky skin. Not horribly but always there.

I think I might start giving her some more of our own food. What about meat is this a good idea? Raw, cooked???

I just chaneged her food to Innove's new formula it has no grain and more meat. 42% protein.

I started giving the Missing link to her because of her dry coat but just continued cause I figured extra nutrients cant hurt, no?

Thanks again

Do you know the food?

Any more help please.

Kevin, I started a new thread "Message for Kevin" down below, you'll see why.

Lisa :).

Kevin, are you still checking in?

Dusty has allergies, but before he was diagnosed with allergies he was given steroids, well after only one dose, we stopped them. Dusty's started panting like he ran wind sprints for 30 minutes and he started shaking and he heart rate was racing. I immediately called the vet and we stopped the steroids. He had a big note on the top of his chart - "NO STEROIDS". Dusty now gets a shot every other week in the winter and spring and every week in the Summer and Fall for his allergies.

Now Magnum - he can take steroids and his biggest issue is eating. He hurt his shoulder in 1999 and he gained 15 lbs. We think it's hard to loose weight. It's so hard to get if off a dog. It took me 2 years to get him back down to his nice fighting weight of 100 lbs. See Magnum is a big boy. 26 inches at the shoulder. But one of the best hunting dogs you'd ever want. Now if his shoulder injury flares up, we give him Deramaxx - I like it.

Steroids, have their place, but sometimes they are just over used.

Steroids can have a place, albeit IMHO a very limited one, in veterinary medicine. I believe that in many instances they are prescribed because 1) they are a so-called ‘traditional’ treatment and 2) they alleviate the symptoms even though they do not treat the underlying cause. I posted earlier about Moonpie regularly needing a steroid shot for dry itchy skin for years. I switched her food early in 2004 and she has not needed a shot since.

I agree that it is easy to let a dog become overweight and difficult to take the weight off. When I switched ‘Pie’s food I fed the same volume, not taking into account the increased nutritional value. She ballooned from 69 lbs. to a hefty 83. Even now she still weighs 75. (I just weighed her. Oof! What a load!) I feel guilty about allowing that to happen. She is a food thief so at feeding time I have to be very vigilant to ensure that she does not steal from the other dogs.

Black as night has good advice about adding food to your dog’s diet. My dogs eat up broccoli, finely chopped carrots, peas, cauliflower (yuck), potato, and apple. I lightly steam the veggies – they will not eat them raw. Sometimes I add a bit of meat or fat. These are not table scraps, fed from my hand. They are incorporated into their regular meal.

wow after reading this, I don't think Bella will continue on steroids. She only started today on one. But after reading this I think I will try alternative methods.

Thankgodness this list excist. I don't know where I would turn otherwise.

Natalie

I like to read this thread periodically because I'm continually amazed at how often and how QUICKLY steriods are prescribed these days, for our pets AND for us. I've already told our (human) doctors to put it on our charts - NO STERIODS! - after they were presribed for my son for an outbreak of massive hives a year ago. They didn't help, in fact, I honestly believe they made everything worse; they certainly were deeply stressful for him (emotional swings, swelling, insatiable appetite). What was once a last line of defense has now become SOP.

Luckily no one has attempted to prescribe steriods for my pets yet. I don't relish the guilt trip they invariably lay on you (as did one human doctor in our family practice). I wish there was a greater awareness of steriod side effects... I too am very grateful this thread is here.

i know this is going to sound extremely dumb but is there such a thing as dog steroids not like the clinicalkin but like something to make them stronger like body builders and stuff. (p.s. dont worry im not trying to make my dog beefcakes i yust was wondering)

From my experience, steroids are used on dogs to heal. Of my 3 labs, my 2 males have been on them to try and heal a sore shoulder or terrible skin issue. After my oldest gained 20 lbs on steroid - no more. Dusty like I mentioned above is terribly allergic to them.

I agree.

Charlotte's on steroids. She developed a food allergy (I think). She had all the symptoms of a food allergy: shaking head, dirty ears, chewing her paws, rubbing her face and finally -- what made me take her to the vet -- she was practically chewing off her tail. In about two days it went from chewing at her tail a little....to chewing it ALL THE TIME.

I was already in the process of changing her food because I noticed the allergy symptoms two weeks prior. I was mixing her old Eukanuba with the NB Duck and Potatoe (to use up the Eukanuba). But after it got worse, I just went with the straight NB Duck & Potatoe.

Vet gave her a lampshade collar, shaved the part of the tail that she chewed and gave me a steroid spray for it, and also gave me prednisone (20mg tabs) to give her 2x a day for 3 days, then 1x a day for 3 days, then 1 a day for three days. She's also taking 3 Benadryl 25mg tabs about 3x a day. I asked the doctor why steroids and she said it will break the cycle of the allergy and the Benadryl will relieve the itch.

Is this too much medication? After reading the posts about steroids, now I'm scared! I figure the meds are over in 7 more days and she seems ok for now. She still wants to chew her tail, and she does pant a bit, but it is summertime. She's drinking a bit more water and peeing more, but basically she just seems depressed from the cone on her head and the back of my legs are bruised from her bumping into me with it!

I hope it is only a food allergy and the NB Duck & Potatoe fixes it. I'll keep you all posted.

PS - I read somewhere to give the dog distilled water, just in case there's something in the drinking water that's triggering the allergy. Any thoughts on this?

PS - I read somewhere to give the dog distilled water, just in case there's something in the drinking water that's triggering the allergy. Any thoughts on this?

Yup, I've read this, too. In this book (I think): http://www.medicine-book.com/Holistic_Guide_for_a_Healthy_Dog_1582451532.html

Awsome article!! I dont think most people realize how dangerous steroids and antibiotics can be to dogs and humans!
Good looking out!
Kristine

I also have a story to tell. Maggie, my golden (now deceased), always had terrible allergy problems. We explored all alternatives, including steroids. Homeopathy worked well, but the benefits faded away after awhile. Switching to a natural diet (a particular recipe we had to mix fresh every meal) helped, too. In fact, that seemed to be the answer.

Anyway, things were going okay. She was more than 14 years old, and for some reason, our vet told my wife to switch to a new food (I believe it was rabbit & potato). She did, and the very first day, she vomited the food, along with a white, foamy substance that was kind of scary. We told the vet. She said not to worry, that she's just getting used to the food. The vomiting continued and got worse. I stopped giving her the food. But, it kept happening, to the point where I had to have her put on IV fluids. Long story short: less than two weeks later, she was dead, despite considerable efforts to help her. It was a lousy way to go, and I'm convinced that tampering with her food set something off in her...something that her weakened immune system couldn't deal with. The official diagnosis was an enlarged espohagus. I think it's also important to note that the vet, who was in on all of this trauma, gave up practice soon after. She was actually a good vet, in my opinion. I'm not sure what the point of the story is, since I'm still not sure what I have learned from Maggie's death. But the reaction to the new food was so immediate and profound, that to suppose it was only coincidence seems foolish.

Awww, sorry to hear about Maggie. I would say that the rabbit/potato food definitely did something to her system. Maybe she was allergic to rabbit? Maybe it was her time to pass :( Anyway, thanks for sharing this story and when Charlotte gets up there in years, I will never change her food if it's not causing any problems.

She lived a full life - RIP Maggie.

Switching to a natural diet (a particular recipe we had to mix fresh every meal) helped, too. In fact, that seemed to be the answer.

Anyway, things were going okay. She was more than 14 years old, and for some reason, our vet told my wife to switch to a new food (I believe it was rabbit & potato). She did, and the very first day, she vomited the food, along with a white, foamy substance that was kind of scary. We told the vet. She said not to worry, that she's just getting used to the food. The vomiting continued and got worse. I stopped giving her the food. But, it kept happening, to the point where I had to have her put on IV fluids. Long story short: less than two weeks later, she was dead

This is so upsetting... I am so very sorry for you.

It is even more alarming if the vet suggested you switch to the rabbit & potato food (I'm assuming it was a prescription food like IVD or Hill's that the vet sells) despite the fact that she was doing so well on the natural diet she was on.

What reason did the vet give for suggesting the diet change?

We have our Maggie-Mae that has been suffering from hair loss around one
eye. It shows up as a brown ring around thr eye. Our vet of course has had her on Prednisone. She seems to clear up
when on it but as soon as she goes off it the problem begins again! We hate
to have her keep being putting her on Prednisone. Anyone have any suggestions of
what else to try? She's only 20 months and we're troubled about what the
long-term effects may be to her health!

Do you know what the brown ring is? Is it from allergies or something else? Did the vet do a skin scrape? There are other options, but you need to know what the brown ring is from.

We had Duncan on Prednisone for one day....and we quit. The side effects and long term damage fair out weighed the hair loss from allergies. We stopped, made some changes around the house, and guess what....he's doing SO much better!

Please give us some more information. There are several people on here who have lots of helpful ideas.

Out vet did a skin scraping which came up negative for any infections and/or mites, etc. They can't seem to determine what it is, I keep wondering if it's allergy related. They said that is a definite possibility and we were told to alternate giving her prednisone and clemastine. She suffers hair loss around one eye only (the same eye each time) which makes it look like she has a ring around her eye. Our concern is that she has been on this medication on and off for 2 months now! There must be something else we can try!
We would greatly appreciate any and all suggestions. She's our baby and we
don't want to see her on this medication anymore!

wow.i`m so glad i read this.i have a aussie and the vets always want to give her shots for allergys.she gets 1 once ayear.will have to think of somthing differnt now.thanks so much.

Please does anyone have any info on Diabetis in Labrador's, ours is a yellow, 8 and a half years old. He had a ruptured disc, in his back about 9 months ago, recieved 2 cortisone shots, and is doing well with his back. But has arthritis in front legs, and shoulders. Main concern is the diabetis, which the vet is talking ,two insulin shots a day! Or try diet control, which is where we are leaning! But vet says not much success in this area! Any advice! Storm630

Welcome to the board, storm630. Sorry to read that you boy has diabetis :(.

Or try diet control, which is where we are leaning! that would be my suggestion.

What kibble and treats does he eat?

Dusty has allergies - allergice to just about everything. He didn't develop this until after being in Texas for 18 months. The vet didn't know if he had mange or what. He tried an antibiotic and that didn't work, then steroids and he was only one it 1 hour and he started shaking (like he was cold), panting very hard and he heart was pounding. I called the vet and he said immediately stop the steroids. Dusty had a bad reaction, so on the top of his chart NO STEROIDS ! He was tested and is allergic to 24 out of 26 things. He still has bouts where he bites he feet and rubs his face raw, like this fall, hot, dry and high pollen and mold counts. I look for winter for relief for him.

Have you looked into this yet? http://www.immunesupport.com/message/quer.htm

I couldn't open the link but I was wondering about prednizone. I know it is a steroid I also know that I don't really want to use it but I asked my Vet if there was anything else & he said " nothing works better". We are changing his food too. My question is, is there anything I can do to relieve the amount of peeing he is doing. I have to have some one let him out in the afternoon everyday, mornings are fine because of Dogge daycare. What I really don't know if the long term effects. I hear they are bad but what do they do?

Boy is my Digger an example of this! In my allegy nightmare, he is ALWAYS prescribed Temeril P...which of course clears him up in a day and a half no problem...until you go off it!

Thanks for posting...very interesting for me, especially in the midst of my new Holistic approach.
What is your hollistic approach? reagan is an allergy nightmare, but since she is a puppy i have been safe from the steroids. i am desperate to try something new, to get her off all these antibiotics! Thanks!

I have the same problem with my lab. He is 12, and I have only had him for a year now, we adopted him and have no history of him previously. When we first got him he had a large blad area on his behind and horrible flaky skin. I took him to the vet and they put him on Prednisone and it cleared up and the hair grew back. Now he is doing the same thing. He was scratching his behind very bad so I took him back to the vet and she did the same thing, and it cleared up for about 3 weeks, but he is again scratching all the time. I have him on Pedigree Adult food, but from reading this post I think I should change foods, is there anything that someone suggests over anything else? Both Sam and I would appreciate any help.

Does anyone have the info on side effects of steroids in dogs? I can't open the link in the first post under this subject.

Wow, This is interesting to know. My yellow (white)Lab "Harley" has been put on prednisone and antibiotics alot for skin problems. Like hot spots, ect. Its just in summer time tho. Winter they are always fine. So now for 3 years in a row Harley has been taken steroids. I will say it does work and relieves the problems of itching and helps the sores. But I dont like those side effects. I will have to try to find an alternative and see how it goes.

Harley has skin problems every year starting in May - September. Cheyenne my black lab has some skin problems. But not as many. Cocoa my chocolate has NO skin problems. That is so odd. So many different ppl recommend me bathing them in so many different shampoos, I dont know which one to try. They itch so much I feel sorry for them. I do try to moisurize them as much as I can. That seems to help some.
Anyone with ideas please pass them along.
Thanks!


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I am so glad you posted that article. I have first hand knowledge of how dangerous steroids are, my lab Daisy died in July because Prednisone destroyed her liver. She was put on high doses of Prednisone and Azathiaprine for an autoimmune disease, pemphigus. I trusted our vet to steer us in the right direction with the treatment and I feel they failed miserably. After my dogs entire personality changed, she went from being a normal happy lab, to a depressed, anxious dog. I did some detailed research on my own and I found out what a horrible drug it was. Everyday she developed a new problem from the steroid. I couldn't leave her side for more than a couple minutes, she followed me everywhere. She could barely get up and down our deck stairs and she actually fell down the stairs one day. I was hysterical. She drank gallons of water and had accidents all over the house. This was dog who could go for hours without having to relieve herself. When I confronted the vet with my concerns and Daisy's mounting physical problems, she told me this was standard practice to treat her disease and we had no choice but to go this route. I started to look into other options and vets, when Daisy took a turn for the worse. She started vomiting blood and became lethargic within an hour. I rushed her to the vet, they told me she probably had a bleeding ulcer from the prednisone. My husband and I had had enough. We couldn't stand putting her through this anymore. We told the vet we had decided to put Daisy down. This was not any easy decision, my husband met me at the vet's office and we cried for an hour before letting the vet know our decision. Our vet told us she had hooked up an IV of antibiotics and she was responding to them and thought we shoud re-think our decsion. So we did... She held on for two more days in the intensive care unit and on the 3 day she woke up jaundice. Her blood tests confirmed her liver was failing and we had no choice at that point but to say goodbye to her. I feel guilty everyday.. I feel like we did this to her. We adopted Maggie 3 weeks later and we now have a new vet who practices Holistic and traditional treatments. I hope everyone reads this and reconsiders ever putting someone they love on this medication.

Side Effects of Prednisone:

Extreme thirst and they often develop urinary track problems and incontinence.

Weakness in the joints and bones, difficulty walking, running, jumping

Increase/Decrease in appetite-Daisy lost 15lbs in two months

Mood change- My happy go lucky lab, was a depressed, dependant mess
She would no longer play with her best friend Darby and refused to go on walks. FYI she and I used to walk 2.5-3 miles a day

Severe cases-organ damage, usually the liver

This is just my experience with the drug

Just treated my lab for a hot spot several weeks ago. Thanks to the advice on this list I avoided the steroids and went with antibiotics (yes I know, another over prescribed med) and the powder with topical steroids and antibiotics. My vet was cool about me not wanting to do prednazone, and described the topical steroidal powder as something that would not produced the same symptoms or concerns. Otter has healed over a two to three week period. Not as fast as if we did Pred, but I feel so much better about it.

Thanks to all.
Otters Dad

Lab Trio, have you been to a doggie dermatologist?
While allergies are a common problem, my lab was diagnosed as having a problem with yeast infections. He's also hyperthyroid, though I don't know if that's the reason. Don't assume its allergies! The yeast problem is worse for my boy in the summer.

Welcome to the board.

Good for you for making your decision beforehand on not to use steriods with Otter's hot spot! Sure, in some more serious cases, steriods have their place, but for hot spots, there are other treatments.

BTW, do you give Otter any vitamin/mineral supplements?

Well, I have had my yellow lab tested for so many things and it has came down to allergies. She only has this problem in spring/summer. I have tried so many things to help her. The only thing that helps her in pred. I don't like to give it to her but that seems to be the only thing that works. The other two are on clemisone twice a day. They do not get as bad so the antihistamine helps them. I guess mine are prone to allergies and its something I will have to deal with every summer.

Funny that this came up. Bailey and I have a vet appointment tomorrow to talk about what else I can treat him with besides benedryl for his seasonal allegeries. Unless he's too busy to think about it (feild training), he is just so mopey and sad. I'll have to read thru this whole post after work today.

Thanks for that info Lisa. I have always steered clear of steroids - and now will continue to.

Have not read through the whole post, however sometimes I feel steroids are necessary. In cases such as cancer, extreme allergies, and in the recent experience with one of my dogs with pemphigus. Steroids are not meant to be life time, nor are they meant to be taken for a year, or a month. Steroids are meant to be taken short term ONLY, as in a week, max two weeks. Sure there are dangers, but personally sometimes the dangers out weigh the deadly dangers of NOT taking certain drugs.

Jen

I totally agree Kallie!!

Dakota ate pro plan for a few months since that is what our breeder fed her. Solig Gold treats a couple months ago.

Her symptoms are her itching her unside and legs. She has almost always had dry flaky skin. Not horribly but always there.

I think I might start giving her some more of our own food. What about meat is this a good idea? Raw, cooked???

I just chaneged her food to Innove's new formula it has no grain and more meat. 42% protein.

I started giving the Missing link to her because of her dry coat but just continued cause I figured extra nutrients cant hurt, no?

Thanks again

Hi ,

I feed wild cats and dogs out of humane concern for them. local vets are involved, as well as feed store owners. All of them work together for the animals sake.

Not one of them believes a 42 % protien diet is good for dogs!. we feed and supply medical aid when nessassry to a great many animals, and we keep dogs protien level below 30% . Cats at about 34%. ferrets at about 38 %.

Your dogs problem may involve way to much protien. Remember people will sell you anything, but that doesn't mean its good.

A wild bear may need that kind of protien level. Never a dog.