Does anyone have any experience with this drug? 

Thor has has on off head shaking, the last couple of times the vet checked down his ears and couldn't find anything.  Just recently I noticed he had swellings under his ear lobes, I'm not sure if these are causing the head shaking or if the head shaking is causing the swellings.  Anyway about a week or so ago I took him back to the vet and she said his ears canals are so narrow and/or swollen that she can't see the membrane so prescribed prednisone to reduce the swelling so she can have a good look under sedation.

Eight days later I have a different dog, he is getting aggressive with my other dogs.  He also has a strange worried look on his face.

He is an entire 18 month old Chow Chow so I am aware that he can be a challenging breed, that he is going through his Kevin stage and that he could be in pain with his ears.  However, he has had 2 scraps with Baloo (neutered male Chow) today and although they do sometimes have the odd grumble at each other (due to Baloo being a control freak) they are usually best buddies and don't like to be separated.  Yesterday he had my male neutered pug by the scruff and gave him a shaking and a couple of days ago he snapped at my female pug.  I have baby gates around the house so I am now keeping my little dogs away from him.

After checking on-line I see that many people have observed aggressive behaviour changes in their dogs after using this drug but my vet did not say this was a possible side affect.  Has anyone had any experience with this drug?  Does it really cause aggression? Or do I have a different problem.

Thanks in advance
Mel

It's known to cause behavioural changes, usually after long term use, but all dogs react differently.

I had a GSD on this for ages. I can't say that it changed her behaviour although it made her drink a lot and caused her to lose control of her waterworks, she often wet her bed. I cut the dose down asap for this reason, she also became very hungry and would not stop eating everything in sight. This was not the norm for her as she was always picky with food, this caused her to gain a lot of weight. I must admit that I didn't like this medication for her, although it did do what it was supposed to do by reducing the inflammation.
Could the aggressive behaviour be due to pain ?

I've had dogs on it with no problems other than weight gain.
But I have had to take it myself in the past, and long term it made me very irritable, so not surprised it has the same effect on dogs. Perhaps speak to the vet about reducing the dose, which has to be done very gradually, so your kinda stuck with it for a while anyway.

I've used it for my entire male dog in the past and for similar reasons (skin and ears).  I noticed issues with excessive weeing and hunger but had no behavioural problems at all and he was on it for much longer than your boy.

I wouldn't discount a reaction but can't help thinking it's much more likely to be associated with pain and is therefore a general grumpiness and lack of tolerance.  Ears can be a terrible long term problem for some dogs and I think your vet is absolutely right to want a better look as soon as possible.   How long did she think it would take for the swelling to go down?  Do you have a date booked for the procedure?

Either way, give her a call and explain your concern and ask if Metacam or other pain relief is an option whist taking Prednisone (I cannot remember if it's ok).  In the meantime you're right to give him some space and exercise caution with your other dogs, he's probably feeling a bit miserable and will need his sleep.

Give us an update when you've talked to your vet xx

What are the potential side effects of PrednisTab® Tablets?

The following side effects have been reported: excessive thirst, excessive appetite, excessive urination, dull or dry haircoat, weight gain, panting, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset, muscle wasting, depression, lethargy, behavioral changes such as irritability. If symptoms persist or appear troublesome, contact your veterinarian.

Thanks for your responses, I was just told excessive hunger and thirst, I'm a bit annoyed I wasn't told about possible behaviour changes as they know I have a toddler.  I have never let my child run free with the big dogs, have a barrier across my lounge to stop him annoying them but still would have been nice to know.  He has about another 5 days left of these tablets so he will go in then for a good look.  Poor boy, feel real bad for him, pain, strong meds and puberty all at once, he's doing quite well under the circumstances.