Question:
I have read and enjoyed your column for many years, but I wonder why you are opposed to veterinarians prescribing prednisone. It helped when my doctor gave it to me for an itchy skin condition that wouldn't go away. My dog is on it now for the skin condition the vet calls "atopic" dermatitis, and it really seems to help.
S.M., Washington, DC Aug 08, 2011
Answer:
I am certainly not opposed to the appropriate and judicious use of prednisone and other corticosteroid drugs for various canine and feline maladies, either in ointments, pills or injection solution.
Corticosteroids are like a silver bullet when it comes to treating various inflammatory conditions, often due to the patient's cellular overreaction, helping stabilize tissues and thus facilitating the healing process. One of our old dogs got relief within 24 hours when given oral prednisone for a debilitating spinal condition. But now he drinks more and is always hungry.
Prolonged use can impair the immune system, lead to secondary infections, delay healing and cause hormonal disorders such as Cushing's disease. While the most common use is for skin conditions, in many instances addressing the underlying cause, such as food allergy, would be prudent.
BREED-RELATED HEALTH PROBLEMS IN DOGS: The University of Georgia's Dr. J.M. Fleming and associates, studying more than 75,000 dogs from 82 breeds, determined that bigger breeds are more vulnerable to musculoskeletal disease, gastrointestinal disease and cancer, while smaller breeds are more at risk for endocrine/metabolic diseases such as diabetes and Cushing's disease. Young dogs died more commonly of gastrointestinal and infectious causes, whereas older dogs died of neurologic and neoplastic causes. While the medium-sized mutt/mixed-breed dog stands out as arguably the healthiest of all, breeders of pure-breed/pedigree dogs continue to be challenged to provide "quality assurance" for prospective purchasers of their pups, most notably those of very large and very small size.
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