Elderly miniature Poodle

Question
Hi PAtti,
I have a 15 year old miniature Poodle "Moosey" and he is very active, alert and in good health except for a nagging whooping cough. My vet has had him on doxicycline in 2 separate periods. He got a little better but not 100%. The vet took xrays of lungs and heart and both are good. He (vet) wants to put him on a low dose of a prednizone drug. He thinks he may have a elderly dog allergy of some type. I hate to go that route because of side effects. What do you think?

Answer
Hi Nick,

Like you, I have concerns when it comes to the use of corticosteroids, such as Prednisone. It is important to remember that while corticosteroids can have negitive effects, they also can be very beneficial.

Sometimes a short course of Prednisone gives relief for an extended period of time. Some dogs with allergic bronchitis that do not respond to antibiotics, will respond to Prednisone.

I like to keep the use of Prednisone to less than five days or to use it every other day, if possible. If that is not sufficient to control the coughing, the lowest possible daily dosage should be used, or other medications used in conjunction, if possible.

Short-term use of Prednisone is unlikely to cause adverse effects. It's really when a dog needs to be on it for an extended time that problems can occur. Using Prednisone every other day makes all of the side effects less likely to occur.

I'd give it a try, to see if it works.
If it's really seems to be "the miricle cure" for the cough, maybe keep it on hand for Moosey's worst episodes, always tapering it's use off after a couple of days.

Be aware of the common side effects associated with  Prednisone use: increased drinking, urinating and appetite. Moosey may need to go outside more often.

I hope I've been a help.
Best of luck,

Patti