My dog on prednisone for ear infection: lethargic, not eating. ER?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Depending on the cause of the infection (bacteria or fungi) different medications may be prescribed. Steroids are typically given to reduce inflammation and pain. At times, this action is sufficient to take care of a mild infection because it prevents from further scratching and self trauma. If the Seamus is still having the same signs, he should be seen by his vet, or a different veterinarian for a second opinion. His lethargy may be unrelated, so it is important to have him evaluated for that as well. I hope all is well and that Seamus feels better soon!

I'm sorry Ed has meningitis, but I'm glad that he is responding well! Steroids like prednisolone can cause GI effects like vomiting and diarrhea (less common) and can have the risk of causing GI ulcers. Medication for these would only be prescribed if he is showing signs of these side effects, but you can talk to your vet to see if they feel any medication might be helpful for him. Only your vet can decide if additional medication is needed as they can see him in person and I can't. A mild runny nose could be cause by a respiratory infection, and I would speak to your vet about it to see if they have any concerns about it.

I am sorry to hear about Bear. Unfortunately most bad ear infections do require prescription strength medications to treat. There is an over the counter product that can be found at some pet stores called Zymox Otic HC that you can try, but if he is continuing to not eat, we don’t often see this with ear infection and I would be worried he has something else going on as well and he should be seen as soon as possible.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Macrolone contains a steroid but is not expected to result in side effects like the ones you describe. The only instance where that medication could result in such side effects is if for example it is causing like gastrointestinal ulceration and anemia. In that case you may notice black tarry stools and his gums may look pale. If that is the case, I recommend that you have him evaluated as soon as possible as that may represent a medical emergency. Otherwise, severe lethargy can be observed with a variety of conditions going from anemia to pain/discomfort. I recommend that you have him evaluated by a veterinarian soon as that degree of lethargy is not expected from that medication and is likely something else going on. Good luck!

No, it’s not really common unless the rear infection has ruptured the ear drum and is really down in the middle ear, which is very very rare. I would be concerned that another problem is going on. I would recommend a follow up appointment with your veterinarian. They may want to perform some blood work for more information. Good luck, I hope he improves soon.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Lua. Yes, a general loss of energy is a common side effect of prednisone. This should pass after she goes off the steroid. It's good that she is eating and drinking, and I would continue to monitor her. I hope this helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This may be the time for your veterinarian to check in with an internal medicine specialist as this is a bit more complex than typical. Possibilities include an immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in which case other immunosuppressive drugs can be used with prednisone or possibly an infectious disease. They would be able to recommend further but reaching out to a specialist would be an option for further tests/recommendations. Hoping for a speedy recovery!