Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Marmaduke had his surgery on wednesday and they sent him home with prednisone, which they told me was a steroid to improve healing and help with erichlie(please excuse spelling). He acts very strange on it his eyes dialate, he has irregular heartbeat (which not sure if it's normal), very fast heavy breathing, and just lays there with a very strange look for about 2 hours until I guess the meds start wearing off then he starts to slowly get up and move around. The vet says it's normal but it's really worrying me. He looks really freaked out and uncomfortable. He takes 40mg twice a day for five days then 20mg twice a day for five days then 20mg once a day for five days. He also takes 200mg twice a day od doxycycline and 200 mg every eight hours of tramadol. I give him the antibiotics and prednisone together and the tramadol 2 to 3 hours apart. It seems he's perfectly fine about 5 hours after the meds hit. Is this normal meds for a dog after surgery? His last vet was terrified to give a young pup steroid type medications. He's only 7 months old right now. Is it safe?
http://marmaduk.....pawds.com/
Huh, what? No wonder Duke is acting zonkers. 
Why Prednisone!? This is the first time we have ever heard of dogs going home from surgery on Prednisone. We're not vets, but after more than three years of hearing people's dog amputation stories, this is a first. Hopefully Dr. Pam can provide another professional opinion.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Canine Ehrlichiosis [ ur-lik-ee-oh-sis ]
Ashley,
I just looked it and yes, steriods are given if the blood platelets were severly low. His must have been since your vet said he bled a lot. The doxycycline will need to be given for 6 to 8 weeks. It sounds like your vet is correct and just trying to his blood platelet count back up.
I just experienced a low blood platelet count with Comet and she was put on doxy. From my understanding after quizzing my vet, if the platelets get too low the dog can bleed out in just normal activity since the blood is not clotting.
We don't know why she had a low platelet count but she took the doxy for 8 weeks.
Here's the article ehrlichiosis:
http://www.workingdogs.com/doc0045.htm
I'd cut him way back on the tramadol and see if he feels good and more normal. The tramadol is a pain pill only and if he doesn't need it, then don't bother with it. The tramadol makes them act goofy as all get out. And they pant like crazy on it, too. The steriods make them hyper, thirsty and hungry (and they will pant, too).
The doxy should not have any side effects, BUT give it with food! It can cause a tummy ache.
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Whew! Thanks for looking that up Comet. See, that's why we don't pretend to be vets here.
Poor Marmaduke! Well, this shall pass and it won't be forever. And remember, try to cut off his water early at night so you're not up all night with him while he goes potty. I know it feels bad to do it, but sleep is really a good thing!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you cometdog, you eased my mind alittle. The article really helped to educate me on the disease, then again you've always been helpful in my posts. Thanks again
http://marmaduk.....pawds.com/
Sorry that I wasn't online yesterday. Normally prednisone at such high doses is contraindicated after surgery because it does delay tissue healing. However if your dog had low platelets secondary to the Erlichia infection then there really was no choice. Worst case scenario is that the sutures might need to be left in place for 3 to 4 weeks if healing is not complete in 2 weeks. Also there is a slightly increased risk of infection when a dog is on steroids so watch for any abnormal discharge (yellowish or a foul odor). Doxycycline is a good antibiotic for tick diseases but a poor one for skin infection so your vet may need to add another med if infection occurs.
I treated many dogs for Erlichia when I lived in Wisconsin and the majority had no further problems once they finished the meds. Some can have long-term joint or heart valve problems but that is very uncommon.
Pam
Thanks for the clarification Pam, we didn't know this about Pred. So good to know!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks Pam I feel better about giving it to him now.
http://marmaduk.....pawds.com/
I know that I'm late to this thread but just wanted you to know that we are continuing to send lots of positive thoughts your way. It sounds like Pam has eased your concerns concerning the Prednison. Fortis has been taking it for almost 3 months now. No real issues. Keep us updated! 
Fortis and Dad
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