Side effects of steroids? - Labrador Retriever Dogs Chat Forum Board - Dogs, Puppies, Photos, Training, Pictures, Rescue Forums

legalass72 · 08-02-2008, 11:04 AM

Our 10 month old had a steroid shot last Wednesday evening (dexamethazone). Now three days later, we can't get over how MUCH she is drinking. And peeing. No problem during the day, we take her outside that much more to do her business, but of course at night she can't hold it and is peeing in the house.

I tried a couple of google searches about the use of steroids, and excessive thirst and urination is a side effect of this medication.

I'm just wondering whether anyone else has any experience with this side effect? Specifically, how long can we expect this to last? I feel bad for her, she's just not herself, and you can tell she feels bad for peeing in the house

By way of background, she had what we think must have been a bee or wasp sting and her head swelled up like a balloon. Emergency trip to the vet, and she was given the steroid as well as diphenhydramine. We were told the next time this happens to just give her Benedryl (good to know, I'm now stocked up).

So it was just a one time shot of steroids, and I understand it really hits their immune system, but does anyone know of any other precautions we should be taking as well? Of course, my vet is closed until Tuesday.

pattianne · 08-02-2008, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by legalass72

Our 10 month old had a steroid shot last Wednesday evening (dexamethazone). Now three days later, we can't get over how MUCH she is drinking. And peeing. No problem during the day, we take her outside that much more to do her business, but of course at night she can't hold it and is peeing in the house.

I tried a couple of google searches about the use of steroids, and excessive thirst and urination is a side effect of this medication.

I'm just wondering whether anyone else has any experience with this side effect? Specifically, how long can we expect this to last? I feel bad for her, she's just not herself, and you can tell she feels bad for peeing in the house

By way of background, she had what we think must have been a bee or wasp sting and her head swelled up like a balloon. Emergency trip to the vet, and she was given the steroid as well as diphenhydramine. We were told the next time this happens to just give her Benedryl (good to know, I'm now stocked up).

So it was just a one time shot of steroids, and I understand it really hits their immune system, but does anyone know of any other precautions we should be taking as well? Of course, my vet is closed until Tuesday.

I had a lab with Valley Fever and he was on steroids for months and drank tons of water so I can't help you with figuring out how long these symptoms last after a one time shot, but what if you set your alarm and take him out 4-5 hours after you go to bed, I know that is a drag but it might eliminate the peeing in the house and make him feel better. And being it was a one time shot you should not have to do it for very long.

Lab-adore · 08-02-2008, 12:38 PM

Our older dog was on them for a few days. We stopped beacuse she was drinking excessively and leaking urine and having accidents. Now, I will avoid steroids at all costs.

bett · 08-02-2008, 12:57 PM

dont know how long it lasts from a shot, but i bet if you call the vet you will
get your answer.
steroids can be a very helpful drug if needed.do not be scared for occasional use.

ZenCat · 08-02-2008, 02:27 PM

The side effects you mention are very common and will go away in time. Steroids have their use, and can certainly be helpful.

I would always discuss the pros and cons of long term use of steroids thoroughly with your vet, if this ever comes up. I am lucky that my vet considers them, as I do, a more drastic treatment option.

There's a thread in the FAQ that discusses potential side effects for long term steroid use.

A very important fact to remember is that you should never, ever abruptly stop steriod use use without your vet's recommendation and advice. Steroids need to be tapered off over a period of time to avoid very serious side effects.

legalass72 · 08-02-2008, 04:02 PM

Thanks, Zencat. I just spent time reading the posts in the FAQ about side effects of steroid use. I got thru to our emergency vet number, and the vet confirmed that he gave our dog a "short term" steroid which should be out of her system in 48 hours. She got the shot on Wednesday nite, and it's now Saturday afternoon, so it "should" be out of her system. But she's panting like mad, drinking more water than can possibly be good for her, and is just plain lethargic. Vet said if she is still like this by mid next week, to bring her in again.

I can't believe that just "one" dose of steroids has such an effect on her!

I guess I should be relieved that it helped with her severe allergic reaction to the bee sting, but now I'm wondering what's going to happen next.....

08-02-2008, 11:04 AM	#1
legalass72 House Broken Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: British Columbia Posts: 72 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Side effects of steroids? Our 10 month old had a steroid shot last Wednesday evening (dexamethazone). Now three days later, we can't get over how MUCH she is drinking. And peeing. No problem during the day, we take her outside that much more to do her business, but of course at night she can't hold it and is peeing in the house. I tried a couple of google searches about the use of steroids, and excessive thirst and urination is a side effect of this medication. I'm just wondering whether anyone else has any experience with this side effect? Specifically, how long can we expect this to last? I feel bad for her, she's just not herself, and you can tell she feels bad for peeing in the house By way of background, she had what we think must have been a bee or wasp sting and her head swelled up like a balloon. Emergency trip to the vet, and she was given the steroid as well as diphenhydramine. We were told the next time this happens to just give her Benedryl (good to know, I'm now stocked up). So it was just a one time shot of steroids, and I understand it really hits their immune system, but does anyone know of any other precautions we should be taking as well? Of course, my vet is closed until Tuesday.

08-02-2008, 12:38 PM	#3
Lab-adore So Cal or No Cal!! Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: So Cal Posts: 4,512 My Mood: Thanks: 12 Thanked 16 Times in 15 Posts	Our older dog was on them for a few days. We stopped beacuse she was drinking excessively and leaking urine and having accidents. Now, I will avoid steroids at all costs. __________________ I love my girls: Nittany Anabelle, Yellow female, 10 Years, 7 months (bred in Burlington KY) Makena Avery, Yellow female, 4 years, 3 months (bred in Lake Perris, CA)

08-02-2008, 12:57 PM	#4
bett Senior Dog Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: baldwin long island new york Posts: 20,072 My Mood: Thanks: 25 Thanked 197 Times in 176 Posts	dont know how long it lasts from a shot, but i bet if you call the vet you will get your answer. steroids can be a very helpful drug if needed.do not be scared for occasional use. __________________ betty

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

08-02-2008, 02:27 PM	#5
ZenCat (Retired) Join Date: May 2004 Location: USA Posts: 17,205 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	The side effects you mention are very common and will go away in time. Steroids have their use, and can certainly be helpful. I would always discuss the pros and cons of long term use of steroids thoroughly with your vet, if this ever comes up. I am lucky that my vet considers them, as I do, a more drastic treatment option. There's a thread in the FAQ that discusses potential side effects for long term steroid use. A very important fact to remember is that you should *never, ever abruptly stop steriod use* use without your vet's recommendation and advice. Steroids need to be tapered off over a period of time to avoid very serious side effects.

08-02-2008, 04:02 PM	#6
legalass72 House Broken Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: British Columbia Posts: 72 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks, Zencat. I just spent time reading the posts in the FAQ about side effects of steroid use. I got thru to our emergency vet number, and the vet confirmed that he gave our dog a "short term" steroid which should be out of her system in 48 hours. She got the shot on Wednesday nite, and it's now Saturday afternoon, so it "should" be out of her system. But she's panting like mad, drinking more water than can possibly be good for her, and is just plain lethargic. Vet said if she is still like this by mid next week, to bring her in again. I can't believe that just "one" dose of steroids has such an effect on her! I guess I should be relieved that it helped with her severe allergic reaction to the bee sting, but now I'm wondering what's going to happen next.....