The sister of my wee JR X collie has had a skin complaint and was put on steroids. She now has a problem with fluid around the heart. The wee dog is only 5 1/2 (will be 6 in Nov.)  I was wondering if the steroids (prednisolone I think) could have caused the heart problem or is it more possible to have exacerbated an existing one?  The older brother to my boy (same mum and dad) also has skin problems and is on low dose of steroids (same as above) and had a murmur as a pup so the owner of him is now concerned he might suffer a bad heart like his sister.

Or am I off base and the steroids are not know to cause or complicate heart problems in dogs..?

Thanks
J

 

Just had a look at the contraindications of it on dogs and there doesn't seem to be anything related to heart problems in the list of things. But however I would say it is not impossible as the side effects of other things may well affect the heart as a secondary effect for example electrolyte imbalance which is noted as a side effect ?

I would suggest that she speaks to the vets to see what they think as is there anything else they could prescribe for the skin condition or look at seeing if it is an allergy maybe to see if they can tackle it that way and avoid the allergen to stop the skin condition ? What food is the dog on as might be worth exploring looking for a complete food that is specific for dogs with sensitive skins ?

My pug george who has every health issue under the sun was prescribed these for his itch,i kept him on them for about nearly 2 weeks and have now taken him off myself,he just changed on them,up at 4 wanting breakfast(normally fed 630 am)and behaving like an idiot,constantly on the go,chasing me etc etc,ok,nice to see him like a pup again,but with all his other issues i was scared it would start or damage one of them,since stopping them,he is alot calmer and still not itchy,having another bath today
jo

Sure you did not stop quickly joanne 1000 but just to warn others never stop steroids suddenly always taper off, ask the vet for help if not sure even if that are wanting you to continue the treatment. The body runs on steroids and they should never be withdrawn quickly whether natural or otherwise.

i agree nova,but in georges case,he was on a proper dose for a week,then he was on half a tab every other day which would have stopped at the end of the course,so i was not just stoppign on a full course dose,and would not recomend that to anyone,
jo

It's such a tricky one. My dog has really bad skin flare up's. He's had York Tests etc and it appears that grass is the main cuprit but it's so hard to deny him the enjoyment of being in the garden or out for a lovely run around. I give him Malaseb baths to ease it, we are careful with food (even tried barf for some time but he was never keen) and have taken so much advice over the years -  but steroids help clear it up within a day or two. He's been on them on and off for about 6 years. The difference in him when he's comfortable is amazing, he obviously feels really low and sad when his skin is bad, he's a delight when he feels good.
We have decided that quality of life is the most important thing for him - we are aware that long term medication can have serious side effects, and yes, maybe we will lose him to a related illness younger than we would like, but we want him to have happy years.