Mazy at the vet (question about prednisone shots)

[GailS]

While I was there I asked the tech to clip her claws as she was due for that, anyway. She was very growly and lashing out at the tech, it was Mazy's favorite tech, and she looked so hurt when Mazy tried to scratch and bite her! I think it was the room. usually Mazy gets her claws clipped in the back grooming area, not on the dreaded metal table. Anyway the tech had to call for reinforcements, and the one tech held her by the scruff while the other trimmed and Mazy growled and hissed but couldn't do anything about it.

We had a long wait between the tech and vet, and Mazy recovered her dignity and explored the little room. When the vet came in she was "meek" at first but the more he messed with her the more growly she got.

She got a shot of prednisone and a 2 week course of antibiotics. Vet said it might be a mold allergy but no way to really know except expensive testing, like repeat x-rays and stuff. (I always wish I had someone else with me when I go to the vet because I never remember to ask the questions I want to ask, until later.) No fever, but she's had these infections before with no fever either, and they always clear up on antibiotics. So we decided to put her on the antibiotic for two full weeks this time and see if we can knock it out. I was just about to ask, if the shot was going to work (for allergies), how soon should I see improvement, when there was some kind of emergency in the back and he was called away. However she's still sneezing so I don't think it's allergies, I think the shot would have started working already. He is familiar with Mazy's temperament and asked me if she was difficult to medicate, and I told him as long as it was clavamox it would be fine becausse she likes them

Once he was done examining her I watched him petting her. I could see he liked her, but I could also see her ears flatten (she was facing him) and I knew the exact expression that would be on her face. He kind of giggled and tapped her forehead lightly (it looked like an affectionate tap to me). I said Are you teasing her? And he said well she looks so pissy I couldn't resist. I was about to ask about the effects of the shot when he was called away on emergency.

Anyone else know, if the prenisone was going to work, would it work right away? She's still sneezing. I'm so glad she thinks the clavamox is a treat.

Gail

[DrGus]

I can't give you a specific answer since I don't know the particulars, but in general allergic conditions respond to steroids within 48-72 hours. This can vary dramatically, however, depending on the condition, the cat, the drug, and the dose.

[Mountain-mama]

Gail,

I know what you mean about forgetting what to ask and what I have done is I make a written list of my questions, leaving space between the questions to write down my answers.

[GailS]

Originally Posted by Mountain-mama

Gail,

I know what you mean about forgetting what to ask and what I have done is I make a written list of my questions, leaving space between the questions to write down my answers.

I bring lists, too, but never thought of writing down the answers. That is a good idea, thanks. It will force me to pay attention to what the answers are. Frequently I am feeling so anxious about the cat who is sick I forget to listen very well, that's why I wish I had soemone to come wiht me. I am the same way at my own dr appointments so I will start writing answers down then, too.

And of course I didn't know I would need to ask questions about a cortisone shot.

Gail

[GailS]

Originally Posted by DrGus

I can't give you a specific answer since I don't know the particulars, but in general allergic conditions respond to steroids within 48-72 hours. This can vary dramatically, however, depending on the condition, the cat, the drug, and the dose.

Thank you Dr Gus. I was told it was a "long acting" shot, but that is all the information I gathered, except I did remember to ask what side affects I should watch for and was told none.

Now I wish I'd waited on the antibiotic because that is about the time frame for the anibiotics to start kicking in, too isn't it? So I still won't know if it is allergy or bacterial.

By the way, how would x rays help diagnose an allergy problem? I wanted to ask about that too, but the vet was called away on an emergency.

Gail

[DianeP]

Originally Posted by GailS

Thank you Dr Gus. I was told it was a "long acting" shot, but that is all the information I gathered, except I did remember to ask what side affects I should watch for and was told none.

Now I wish I'd waited on the antibiotic because that is about the time frame for the anibiotics to start kicking in, too isn't it? So I still won't know if it is allergy or bacterial.

By the way, how would x rays help diagnose an allergy problem? I wanted to ask about that too, but the vet was called away on an emergency.

Gail

Mazy may be a little thirstier and hungrier than usual because of the prednisone shot, so be sure to have plenty of water out for her.

[Rita]

That sounds like the "depo medro" shots that Chester used to get and I still get for my back. He had IBS and it used to help him feel better. It helps my arthritis.

[KarenA]

Try writing the questions before you go to the vet and a notebook to jot down the answers as well. I do that with vet and doctors both. The moment I'm there my mind turns to mush.

Don't forget the yogurt or similar (I know .. I think you use some other product) for the antibiotic.

[GailS]

Originally Posted by KarenA

Try writing the questions before you go to the vet and a notebook to jot down the answers as well. I do that with vet and doctors both. The moment I'm there my mind turns to mush.

Don't forget the yogurt or similar (I know .. I think you use some other product) for the antibiotic.

yep, Mazy gets her pro bios treat every night!

Gail

[GailS]

Originally Posted by DianeP

Mazy may be a little thirstier and hungrier than usual because of the prednisone shot, so be sure to have plenty of water out for her.

Thanks for the reminder, I had forgotten that. She'll be peeing more, too, I remember.

The thing is, she only likes to drink out of the bottom of the bathroom sink, with the water running on her head, and down into the sink. I can't get her to try any other way to drink, and I can't help thinking that that cold water running on her neck and head is causing her to get chills which is causing these sneezing things. the vet dismissed it, but they don't know everything...what do you think?

And it's too bad they don't take the time to tell you the extra things like yogurt (or the pro bios I use) to counteract the digestive upset when an animal is on antibiotics, or about the drinking and eating with the prednisone...the vet I usually see at this practice is a little better about that stuff, but she wasn't available this time, so I took who I could get.

Mazy is still sneezing. this afternoon will be 48 hours since the shot, and two full days on the antibiotic. She sneezed full in my face last night while I was sleeping. Yuck.

Gail