Bone Tumor

[tilerspop]

Tiler has recently been diagnosed with a bone tumor on the left side of his face. It has severely compromised the zygomatic arch. The docs say we don't have much time left, maybe 8 to 6 weeks. The specialist offered a surgery that may or may not work and at that would only provide a possible 12 additional months at best. Not an option as it would greatly degrade his quality of life. My vet has prescibed prednizone at 20mg a day to start and some pain meds as needed and they seem to be doing the trick for now. The question is what other short term side effects can I expect from the prednizone?

[Mochasmom]

He will drink more and urinate far more frequently. We were having to let Mocha out 2x during the night.
It will also up his appitite.
You probably know this already, sorry if I am repeating it.

I am so sorry you are having to go through this. You and Tiler are in my thoughts.

[Judi W]

If it offers relief, don't be concerned about side effects.

You can expect excess hunger (you will have to hide food), water consumption and urination. Make sure the dog has every opportunity to relieve himself for his own dignity.

[macho rottie]

I am so sorry. My heart goes out to you. When my rott'n girl was on Prednisone she drank a lot of water and peed a lot. I got up every 3 hours during the night so she could go potty. If you work, then you better have some sort of way for him to go outside to relieve himself. Their appetite increases...mine thought I was starving her.

[moondog]

I'm so sorry you are faced with this, but I am in complete agreement with your decision not to pursue extraordinary measures. I know how hard that is to deal with, but deal with it we must.

The prednisone will cause increased thirst, increased appetite (usually), excessive panting, and an increased need to relieve himself. At higher doses it can cause some muscle weakness. I found that my dog did acclimate to it after being on it for a while, and the side effects lessened somewhat. I doubt you'll be able to reduce the dose, but just as a FYI - when my dog's dose was reduced to find a "balance" for her between symptoms and side effects, she had no side effects at all.

This is a hard time for you, and I'm sorry for that.

[tilerspop]

We have noticed the increased drinking and urination, but have not seen the increase in appetite, although in the AM he does seem to be more insistent about getting his food. We are still feeding twice a day and actually his eating habits are one of the things I am going to use to know when it's time. Before the Prednisone he could barely open his mouth. He still ate OK but would not take treats.

When he can no longer take his treats, doesn't want to go for walks or rides, it will be time. I dread the day.

[macho rottie]

At this point if he wants a bit more food and treats, let him have them.

When I knew my males time was limited...I let him eat anything he wanted for the last part of his life. He even got to eat a few peanut M&M's.

[SABELLESMOM]

Oh I'm so sorry. You must be devastated. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[pattik]

One of the toughest things to go through. I'm sorry. It's a decision I keep thinking I'll be forced to make soon. My girl's been on pred for 4+ years. The quality of life for our friends far beat out the side-effects of low doses. As far as the increased appitite goes, I found my girl who can barely get up and down stairs anymore up on a diningroom chair with paws on the table trying to reach part of a peanutbutter & jelly sandwich left by my daughter! They are amazing...

[tilerspop]

Tilers' still doing well, so well in fact that it is hard to imagine that there is anything wrong. He did wake me to let him out last night, but other than that things seem to be fairly normal right now. I was wondering if prednisone has any affect on BM habits. He seemed to have a little diarhea yesterday.

[flyballmom]

Originally Posted by tilerspop

Tilers' still doing well, so well in fact that it is hard to imagine that there is anything wrong. He did wake me to let him out last night, but other than that things seem to be fairly normal right now. I was wondering if prednisone has any affect on BM habits. He seemed to have a little diarhea yesterday.

Oh Mike, I'm sorry
Yes, to answer your question, it can be quite irritating to the stomach, so make sure you're giving it with a few bites of food. And I agree with the others. In light of his prognosis, let him eat what he wants to eat, (short of making himself sick of course), and don't worry about the possible long term side effects of Pred. (It's taking it long term that can cause more severe side effects.)

[Sharon Marples]

Just wanted to say that I am so sorry you have this diagnosis. You are aware of what is going on with him and prepared for that day when he cannot live in dignity. Bless you for providing him with the love and attention he so deserves when he needs it the most. Our thoughts are with you.

[tilerspop]

I always give the pred in a bit of cheese just before he gets his dinner. I noticed when we were still thinking ear infection and he was on Baytril that he seemed to have an upset stomach, so now he gets all meds with food unless otherwise instructed.

[MontanaRott]

Ah geez, I am really sorry to read this. We noticed with our Pugs increased thirst but not so much the appetite when they were on pred. Like the others have already said, possible side effects at this point just do not matter.
Make the most of each moment you have left with Tiler. You both will be in my thoughts.

[moondog]

Luna got a dose of cimetidine along side each dose of prednisone to help protect her stomach and prevent any tummy troubles from the pred. You might want to ask your vet if that will be helpful for Tiler.