- Location
- Vlaardingen, the Netherlands
Finn is on paracetamol, onsior and gabapentine. The gabapentine, 2x 150mg did make a difference
Snowie
- Thread starter M.F.
- Start date
- Location
- East Sussex
@Joy @Stacia how did “not tolerating” Metacam present?
As to be expected, Snowie is a bit flatter being off the prednisone, not as eager for his meals, not parading around wagging his tail as much. But he’s not hesitating getting up off his bed or going up and the down the stairs, so we’re assuming the Metacam must be working as far as pain from inflammation goes. And yesterday he wanted a long walk to the beachfront and went up to all the people sitting on benches to say hallo, which he hasn’t done much of late. So that was very heartwarming.
Unfortunately his ears are bad again, so I sprayed them with cortisone spray earlier. And he’s been gagging a lot after waking up. Post-nasal drip? Or burned throat from the Metacam? I must say, I’d prefer a tablet form.
As to be expected, Snowie is a bit flatter being off the prednisone, not as eager for his meals, not parading around wagging his tail as much. But he’s not hesitating getting up off his bed or going up and the down the stairs, so we’re assuming the Metacam must be working as far as pain from inflammation goes. And yesterday he wanted a long walk to the beachfront and went up to all the people sitting on benches to say hallo, which he hasn’t done much of late. So that was very heartwarming.
Unfortunately his ears are bad again, so I sprayed them with cortisone spray earlier. And he’s been gagging a lot after waking up. Post-nasal drip? Or burned throat from the Metacam? I must say, I’d prefer a tablet form.
- Location
- Malvern Worcestershire
@M.F if Rourke took Metacam then he would vomit and it was very bloody. I had a GSP years ago and she had liquid Metacam and was fine.
- Location
- East Sussex
Thankfully he hasn’t appeared nauseas, and his poos are the same. The gagging has also stopped overnight. I’ve been injecting the meds into chunks of bread, so hopefully it’s minimising the contact with his oesophagus. And he gets a chewy and then peanut butter to lick after, so hopefully a good amount of saliva to wash it down.
His walking has improved dramatically. Yesterday we managed a nice (albeit very slow) walk on our old favourite mountain path. He loooooved it. Lots of dogs and kids. He even tried to mount an old friend, a lovely Golden. They were licking each other’s lips and then he got frisky and trotted after her. A flicker of his younger self! He hadn’t been interested in mounting in over a year. Shame, though, he didn’t try running after her when I held him back so that she could race after her owners. He obviously realises his own limits.
His walking has improved dramatically. Yesterday we managed a nice (albeit very slow) walk on our old favourite mountain path. He loooooved it. Lots of dogs and kids. He even tried to mount an old friend, a lovely Golden. They were licking each other’s lips and then he got frisky and trotted after her. A flicker of his younger self! He hadn’t been interested in mounting in over a year. Shame, though, he didn’t try running after her when I held him back so that she could race after her owners. He obviously realises his own limits.
It sounds like Snowie is having a fine old time!
The good that came out of That Conversation is that we have started on old-aged pain management, which has improved Snowie’s quality of life. I’m pleased it triggered us to investigate it and get started.
This is brilliant to hear, and maybe a prompt for all of us to specifically review pain management needs during vet visits when our companions are reaching their older years (and before).
Just a little update on Snowie. As much just to record everything for myself.
I was away mid Sep for 2.5 weeks. Snowie was quite itchy before I left, the start of Spring (people were saying their allergies were really bad). He was rubbing his face on the metal base of the outside bench, so we blocked it off. But the damage was done: he rubbed his face raw.
When I got back, he looked terrible. He left blood all along the base of our bed where he rubbed his face. His paws were also bloody, lots of blood spots on our carpet! His face was crusty, eyes like badgers and crusty. Ears were crusty meaty flaps. His snout raw and bloody. He looked a sight.
I had the monthly vet visit on my return for the monthly Cytopoint injection. Another locum. I said to him, With no disrespect, but this is a chronic problem and I think our regular vet should see Snowie. He needs more than the injection.
The locum said it was fine to come back but he took one look at Snowie and said, This dog needs treatment now. Why not come and chat to me and get a second opinion.
He suggested the Cytopoint wasn’t working so stop it. And give prednisone immediately to give Snowie relief. He said it was difficult to know the cause of Snowie’s problems without tests, but it was either an autoimmune disease, allergies, or a yeast infection. But we agreed no more tests, just treat the dog infront of us.
I actually had in my mind this exact same treatment, so we were in agreement.
However, no more Metacam cos it can’t be given together with prednisone.
Huge prednisone dose for 5 days: 3 tabs morning, 3 tabs night. Oh my word, Snowie was drinking and weeing non-stop, no sleep for any of us. Also massive appetite. But wow, the effect on his skin was dramatic. Also his paws, shrunk to half their size. And no more rubbing his face. At least his skin could heal.
But the no sleep was utterly exhausting, so we reduced the dose to 2 tabs morning, 2 tabs night after 2 days, not after the prescribed 5 days. This new dose was prescribed for days 6-10. The vet had said to reverse the side effects, you stop giving the tabs. On the smaller dose, things were much better, but still a lot of night time wees. So after two days, we reduced to 2 tabs morning, 1 tab night. Much better. An occasional night time wee (and poo—he is eating so much more).
But wow, the effects are amazing. Cheerful as anything. Wagging tail all the time. No hesitation to get up. Curious about his environment. Happy to go out.
The locum vet said he recommends Snowie stays on prednisone for the rest of his life.
However… with his newfound exuberance, he leapt off the coffee table outside where we dry him after a swim, and today he is limping. Doesn’t want to put weight on his front right leg. If it’s not one thing, it’s another… Thankfully he can still take paracetamol.
We’re also giving antihistamine at night to control his post nasal drip. And also to get him to sleep. He is so wide awake now! Busy busy busy at bedtime, can’t slow down.
I was away visiting my sister. She has a mixed breed dog, Lady, who is 11.5 years old and who races around like a puppy on her walks. Magnificent skin. Pale pink skin in her ears. Just an annual vet visit for vaccination against spiro cerci. The most undemanding dog you’ve ever met. Doesn’t demand walks. Doesn’t beg. Doesn’t steal food. Eats very little. As tall as a lab but very slight (approx 20kg). Her grandmother was a lab, her mother was a husky, but on the male side, various Rottweiler, Belgian shepherd, other. Perfect recall. No formal training. No special food. Sweet nature. But is territorial when there are visiting dogs to the house. Compared to Snowie: All our money goes on vet bills and all his food and stuff. And his upkeep is exhausting. But, all dogs welcome in our house!
I was away mid Sep for 2.5 weeks. Snowie was quite itchy before I left, the start of Spring (people were saying their allergies were really bad). He was rubbing his face on the metal base of the outside bench, so we blocked it off. But the damage was done: he rubbed his face raw.
When I got back, he looked terrible. He left blood all along the base of our bed where he rubbed his face. His paws were also bloody, lots of blood spots on our carpet! His face was crusty, eyes like badgers and crusty. Ears were crusty meaty flaps. His snout raw and bloody. He looked a sight.
I had the monthly vet visit on my return for the monthly Cytopoint injection. Another locum. I said to him, With no disrespect, but this is a chronic problem and I think our regular vet should see Snowie. He needs more than the injection.
The locum said it was fine to come back but he took one look at Snowie and said, This dog needs treatment now. Why not come and chat to me and get a second opinion.
He suggested the Cytopoint wasn’t working so stop it. And give prednisone immediately to give Snowie relief. He said it was difficult to know the cause of Snowie’s problems without tests, but it was either an autoimmune disease, allergies, or a yeast infection. But we agreed no more tests, just treat the dog infront of us.
I actually had in my mind this exact same treatment, so we were in agreement.
However, no more Metacam cos it can’t be given together with prednisone.
Huge prednisone dose for 5 days: 3 tabs morning, 3 tabs night. Oh my word, Snowie was drinking and weeing non-stop, no sleep for any of us. Also massive appetite. But wow, the effect on his skin was dramatic. Also his paws, shrunk to half their size. And no more rubbing his face. At least his skin could heal.
But the no sleep was utterly exhausting, so we reduced the dose to 2 tabs morning, 2 tabs night after 2 days, not after the prescribed 5 days. This new dose was prescribed for days 6-10. The vet had said to reverse the side effects, you stop giving the tabs. On the smaller dose, things were much better, but still a lot of night time wees. So after two days, we reduced to 2 tabs morning, 1 tab night. Much better. An occasional night time wee (and poo—he is eating so much more).
But wow, the effects are amazing. Cheerful as anything. Wagging tail all the time. No hesitation to get up. Curious about his environment. Happy to go out.
The locum vet said he recommends Snowie stays on prednisone for the rest of his life.
However… with his newfound exuberance, he leapt off the coffee table outside where we dry him after a swim, and today he is limping. Doesn’t want to put weight on his front right leg. If it’s not one thing, it’s another… Thankfully he can still take paracetamol.
We’re also giving antihistamine at night to control his post nasal drip. And also to get him to sleep. He is so wide awake now! Busy busy busy at bedtime, can’t slow down.
I was away visiting my sister. She has a mixed breed dog, Lady, who is 11.5 years old and who races around like a puppy on her walks. Magnificent skin. Pale pink skin in her ears. Just an annual vet visit for vaccination against spiro cerci. The most undemanding dog you’ve ever met. Doesn’t demand walks. Doesn’t beg. Doesn’t steal food. Eats very little. As tall as a lab but very slight (approx 20kg). Her grandmother was a lab, her mother was a husky, but on the male side, various Rottweiler, Belgian shepherd, other. Perfect recall. No formal training. No special food. Sweet nature. But is territorial when there are visiting dogs to the house. Compared to Snowie: All our money goes on vet bills and all his food and stuff. And his upkeep is exhausting. But, all dogs welcome in our house!
Atemas
UK Tour Guide
- Location
- North Cambridgeshire
- Location
- Malvern Worcestershire
What an exhausting time for you and Snowie, but oh the relief from the itch for him poor lad. I do empathise with what you are going through, Snow's twin Rourke was a health problem as well, but they are worth it.
- Location
- Sydney, Australia
I'm so sorry Marilyn, I can't imagine how exhausted you both are 
Jacqui-S
Moderator
- Location
- Fife, Scotland
Not much fun for any of you 
The only time Lilly had a uti was when she was on steroids. I thought it was her anal glands
The only time Lilly had a uti was when she was on steroids. I thought it was her anal glands
Wow, that sounds so tiring... and poor Snowie having been so itchy. Thank goodness you have founds something to help him and make his life fun again (even if exhausting for you...) xxx
- Location
- Cornwall , UK
What a horrible time you have had but so pleased that the meds are helping Snowie so much , long may it last xxxx
- Location
- SW London UK
If the lower dose of Prednisone works then that sounds like a good solution. SLeep - what's a bit of lost sleep when looking ofter an older dog or a younger dog that still needs to come up for cuddles at 2am.
All dogs are so different. There two other dogs locally who were almost the exact same age as Homer that we used to see regularly especially whan they were all puppies. One was a collie Lab mix and the other a chocolate lab that had various health issues, displacia and arthritus, Homer always looked the most fit and healthy until he got ill and was the first to go. You just can't compare them.
All dogs are so different. There two other dogs locally who were almost the exact same age as Homer that we used to see regularly especially whan they were all puppies. One was a collie Lab mix and the other a chocolate lab that had various health issues, displacia and arthritus, Homer always looked the most fit and healthy until he got ill and was the first to go. You just can't compare them.