Why does prednisone cause panting

So here we were, with a dog who was so extremely uncomfortable that the owner was considering euthanizing him, and we had a treatment that works well to relieve the symptoms. Prednisone is a drug that is used for many things in both veterinary and human medicine. It is an analog of a hormone called cortisone that is produced naturally in the body. In the body, cortisone is secreted during times of stress. It helps shift many body systems in a way that helps the body endure both physically and psychologically during hard times.

It affects almost every body function in some way, but most useful is its ability to suppress an overactive immune system and reduce inflammation. We can treat the inflammation caused by allergies and asthma with prednisone. It can reduce the extreme pain and inflammation of a ruptured disc in the spine more effectively than other anti-inflammatories.

It saves lives when the immune system starts mistakenly destroying red blood cells and platelets, or attacks internal organs. It has a strong effect against many kinds of cancer. Without prednisone there would be a lot more suffering and death in this world. In some cases there is no way to address the underlying problem, but when there is, that needs to be investigated. Prednisone has side effects, and if the problem can be controlled without it, that is often the preferable choice.

In the short run, depending on the dose, prednisone can cause dramatically increased thirst and urination, increased appetite, and in dogs, panting a lot at night for no particular reason. Years of continual use will cause a fair amount of wear and tear on the stomach, liver, and kidneys; weight gain; and in cats a significant tendency to become diabetic.

That said, I have several patients that have taken some form of prednisone for long periods because there have been no other options for controlling their problems, and although almost all of them are overweight, very few suffer consequences that negatively impact their quality of life significantly. Due to increased hunger, dogs may develop a tendency for obesity.

The dog may also be vulnerable to demodectic mange and fungal infections. Veterinarians will advocate administering a minimum effective steroid dose to reduce these risks to your dog. It is imperative that you pay attention to the treatment and medication prescribed by the veterinarian. Usually corticosteroids are prescribed daily only during the initial phase of the treatment, and then steadily the dose and frequency are reduced. This is why if the doctor advises follow up visits, it is imperative that these appointments are made in a timely manner.

If long term prednisone use is deemed necessary, blood and urine tests will be recommended every 6 months to monitor for potential side effects. If you observe any side effects of steroid use in your dog, do not abruptly stop administering this medication without consulting your veterinarian. Even though this steroid can cause side effects, the benefits it offers are substantial. Program Details Manage Subscription. See, it isn't walking or activity that actually makes arthritis.

It's going TOO far. Dogs don't have an understanding of that -- they're stoic so they will do a thing until they absolutely can not go ANY further. Then it looks like walking, running, or whatever caused the problem -- it wasn't.

You go to that first bit of pain and stop and rest. Relax the joint. THEN you go further. It may take you longer to get there, but you won't be in agony when you do! So dog guardians have to make them take it slowly. You don't go for a half hour walk. You walk to the end of the block - and stop. Wait a few minutes. Walk further. But all along the way you stop to touch them on the neck -- tension will usually be felt there if there is pain they are trying not to show!!

If you can't tell -- err on the side of caution and stop VERY frequently. Don't ask a dog to 'sit' repeatedly. It usually exacerbates arthritis. Instead go for a 'down' as in lie down -- it's more of a fully restful position and is less hard on the hips and back.

You can even play ball and do 'fun' things if you throw the ball once or maybe 2 times and then STOP, lie down and chill for a few minutes. Then throw it once more.

Then STOP again. But you can't go until the dog looks tired, or limps or shows pain. IF they show pain you've gone way way too far -- you've gone to "inflammation". Touch the scruff of your dog's neck when at rest. When they aren't in pain sleep is good. See how loose it is. Touch it at the beginning of a walk not just when you leash them -- they'll be excited then.

By becomming familiar with that tension you'll better be able to gauge stress. You truly want to STOP immediately when you feel any tension or stress there -- I often tell people with arthritic dogs that a wagon can be your best friend. Teach the dog treats work well here to "stay" in the wagon so you can pull them.

So they learn to 'ride' lying down "riding" ;. So you drag the wagon on walks. Walk a block -- let them ride a block. Walk another block. Ride a block. But that way there is no over-doing -- and YOU can walk as long as you want. You get air, you get a change of scenery -- the dog gets exercise but not too much. Most arthritic dogs take to a wagon like a duck to water -- even if you have other dogs with you -- if you handle the training well, it will be as "cool" to be IN the wagon as out of it.

No 'standing' in the wagon -- you lie down. Now -- watch it -- a severely arthritic animal may have a tough time with up and down But the point of the wagon is that you enable them to 'go with' -- they aren't left behind and out of the fun stuff, but they don't 'hurt' either.

Acupuncture is such an awesome tool to keep down the pain of arthritis.