That's the only way I can describe it! He went to the vet yesterday for his itchy ears, and got a steroid injection (as well as ear drops). Since then he has been pee-ing gallons (twice on the floor), and drinking a lot. That would be OK; but he is also barking at shadows, and creeping away to hide in his 'cave' under the stairs as though he is scared of something. Those of you who know Pongo know that that is really unusual - he is the most calm, laid-back, confident puppy ever. And he's definitely low on energy - no interest in his usual walk yesterday and only a gentle amble around the garden today. I know that internet googling is not the most reliable source of information, but I really think he is reacting badly to the steroid shot - nervous, listless and generally not himself. Poor boy. It's really upsetting to see him so uncomfortable in himself. I just hope these side-effects wear off soon. (The ear drops also have some steriod in them, I think - prednisolone - but I don't know how much, and having started the course I'm inclined to finish it to get his ears cleared up.)
Re: Pongo is unhappy... Poor little man. Steroids can initially have a 'dampening' effect, making a dog seem subdued and not themselves. And they definitely can increase thirst and peeing!! Obi's has courses of steroids at times and for the first couple of days he's rather flat and needs to pee a lot. But as the dose reduces or the steroid wears off they return 100% to normal So, don't be too worried, it's only temporary
Re: Pongo is unhappy... Thanks Rachael. He's seven months old and I've never, ever seen him scared of anything....until tonight when he took fright at his own reflection. He's hiding under the stairs now.
Re: Pongo is unhappy... Awwwwwwww, poor Pongo :'( I hope he picks up soon. It is really unusual for him....he's Mr bubbly, lively and chilled at the same time. Harley sends Pongo lots of licks
Re: Pongo is unhappy... Charlie had steroids for his ears (not for very long, as they were incompatible with other things - not relevant here). And he was sleepy, listless, and not himself. I'd say stick with the programme, get those ears cleared up. Pats and tummy rubs to Pongo from us. Tummy rubs help, for sure.
Re: Pongo is unhappy... Oh poor pongo! Hopefully it's as Rachael says and as the steroids begin to wear off he will come back to normal. Hoping he feels better soon!
Re: Pongo is unhappy... Ah just seeing the title of this post made me feel sad for the little man...poor love,hope he seems a bit better today x
Re: Pongo is unhappy... Poor Pongo how utterly miserable for him, Benson sends licks... It does sounds like a hypersensitivity to the drug, and it has had an effect on his adrenal gland, and being a pup of course his natural instinct to a flux of adrenalin is flight, which may explain his fear? Just a possibility...
Re: Pongo is unhappy... I know that steroids can cause some people to have psychotic episodes, so it may be affecting Pongo in the same way. It may be worth having a word with the vet. Edited to add that one of the side effects in the dog is altered behaviour. I am sure once the drug has left the system he will be fine again.
Re: Pongo is unhappy... Pongo says thank you to everyone for the good wishes! He looks like he is feeling a bit more himself this morning - back to chewing on his bone and looking out the windows (and also not quite so much activity in the bladder department!). Hope that means the effects are wearing off... I think next time we take him to the vet we'll mention that he seemed to react badly to the steroids, in case it is a case of hypersensitivity like you suggest, Kate. Certainly that would fit with his behaviour. Thanks everyone! Rosie
Re: Pongo is unhappy... Millie had a steroid shot and has now been on steroid, prednisolone tablets, one every other day for some time now . She was the same at first , tiddle problems and drinking loads of water but as her system adjusted, she is fine , hoping Pongo will be the same too, good luck
Re: Pongo is unhappy... Pongo's getting his old self back! Had a good run around the garden today including his usual death-defying leaps down the hillside... so he seems to have got life back in perspective. He's watching Argentina / Belgium at the moment (he's supporting Argentina because they have a player called Messy). Thanks everyone for the good wishes, licks and hugs... he appreciated them all (and so did I ) Rosie xxx
Re: Pongo is unhappy... Really good to hear that he's feeling like himself again Hope your team wins, Pongo!
