Erratic doodle Help?

[Jayd (Dempsey)]

Seasoned DKers I need your help. 

 

My doodle Dempsey is acting really strange. 

Background:  Dempsey had gotten poop stuck in his fur around his bottom and my husband took clippers and shaved the hair off in the immediate area.  He then started to drag his bottom on the ground and everytime he walked he woud tuck his bottom under.  then he would sit and just look terribly uncomfortable.  I really just thought he was reacting to the feeling of short hair (my husband didn't shave it down to the skin just mad it shorter).  So after one day of this crazy walk/sit/ drag behavior I took him to the vet.  She said that from all the licking and dragging he was doing that he's irritated the area. She shaved off more hair gave me a salve to put on his bum and a steroid to take for the next 7-10 days. 

 

and there lies the problem.  He is on day 2 of the steroid and his breathing is so erratic.  He's panting like crazy and I'm concerned.  He also is VERY clingy, way more than usual.  I called the vet and she didn't seem too worried.  Does anyone have any suggestions he just seems so out of sorts and I'm only on day 2 of the steroid with 9 more to go...

 

Would appreciate any input

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I'm so sorry to hear that Dempsey is going through this difficulty. What I am reading about side effects is confusing because panting is a side effect but difficulty breathing could be a sign of an allergic reaction to it as well...

Personally I would not leave Tara in this state for another 9 days. I think you are right to continue to pursue this with your vet and if need be go get another opinion. When the treatment creates a situation that is worse than the original condition something is wrong. Please keep us posted!

Side Effects

Some of the most common side effects that are associated with Temaril P are excessive thirst, excessive urination, excessive food intake, dry coat, weight gain, panting, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, lethargy, muscle wasting and viciousness. Your pet may be more tired than usual, and have elevated liver enzymes. These side effects may diminish over time.

What are the possible side effects of Temaril-P:
If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving Temaril-P and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips, tongue or face; hives). Trimeprazine can cause drowsiness, tremors and muscle weakness. Prednisolone may cause symptoms of Cushing¿s disease which include increased thirst, urination and hunger as well as vomiting and diarrhea. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal.

[Jayd (Dempsey)]

Thank you for posting this.  He is VERY tired and that was a concern as well.  I spoke to the Vet and she is having me stop the steroid altogether.  I think it was an allergic reaction because it literaly started 10 minutes after he received his dose for this morning.   he's sleeping now almost 6 hours later and the panting has reduced considerably.  Since I don't have to give it to him anymore I'm hoping he'll be back to himself by tonight. 

My goodness this was stressful...Is it Yappy hour yet!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Oh, that's great news that his symptoms are diminishing. Poor guy probably feels like he ran a marathon!  I hope you are starting to feel better too. And remember it's always Yappy Hour somewhere! :)

[Jayd (Dempsey)]

Thank you so much Ricki!  I am feeling better.  there is just nothing worse than knowing that your doodle is hurting and that something is not right and you just don't know how to help him.  Thank you for all your support!

[Bonnie and Kona]

I am just reading this and so glad to hear that the vet said you should stop the meds! Whew! I would have been very upset, too. We love our doodles to bits!

[Martha & Cooper]

I would insist on the Vet seeing him or get a second opinion.  It sounds like maybe the dose of steroid needs to be adjusted.  The Vet can at least give him something to make him more comfortable.  

[Rose Ann and Amante]

I think you should take him back in. Follow your Doodlemom instincts. Maybe take him for a second opinion. My Shihttzu had to have her glands emptied 2 times in a week one time.

[Rose Ann and Amante]

A funny note- Amante yelps and whales like your hurting when he has poop stuck to his bottom. The first time I thought he had stepped on something and was trying to check him. Now when he will do that I will ask him "do you have poop stuck "and he turns around to give me his bum. LOL other then having to wipe his bum and fix the problem ,gross! I love when he does that!!!!

[Jayd (Dempsey)]

That's one smart doodle!  thank you for the levitiy...I needed that : )

[K and Racey]

oh my word. That is hilarious.

[shelly]

Did the vet check the anal glands?  Tori used to get so full and so often, she would drag her bottom... she too, doesn't like freshly clipped bottom area - as it irritates her when she goes potty.  Trust yourself.. many times - like with our kids, moms DO know better and if you think his breathing is a problem, I would call again... I always start with saying - I may be a worried mom, but.... and I would just fell better if someone looked at him.  (He could be panting hard in response to his comfortableness, but I would double check - let them listen to his heart and breathing and check to be sure he does not have a fever.  Good luck!

[Jayd (Dempsey)]

I did speak to my Vet and she said to stop the steroid altogether.  And no I'm think is that ok???  But I'd rather stop it then have my big guy have a heart attack cuz that's what it seems like.  He's since calmed down but I was going to video his breathing and post it here so that you all could tell me if I was crazy. ..