Why is my senior dog hiding and sad after ear infection meds?

This depends on the drug that was given but it is possibly a side effect. Also remember that ear infections themselves can cause lethargy or “off” behavior as can the stress of visiting the vet. Don’t panic unless you see vomiting, diarrhea, facial swelling, collapse, or other worrisome signs. If you’re seeing any of those, get to an emergency vet IMMEDIATLEY as these could be signs of a severe allergic reaction. Best of luck and I hope Baby is feeling better soon!

Hi there. Poor Miles! It is common for them to exhibit "sick behavior" when they feel ill just like us. He probably doesn't feel up to playing right now-and many ear infections can come with a fever which will increase lethargy. If he is still eating and drinking I am apt to worry less. If he continues to just lie around listlessly I would take him back to your doctor to make she he is parasite free (especially intestinal parasites) and that he doesn't need systemic antibiotics. I hope this helps!

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 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 would have your vet re-examine Belle tomorrow. We do not normally see seizures as a result of an ear infection or prescribe phenobarbital short term for seizures. We don't usually see decreased appetite or severe lethargy as a result of ear infections either. Belle may need some additional testing to help determine if there is something other than an ear infection going on, or if your vet cannot find a cause for her symptoms she may need to go and have a more advanced workup at a specialist who has imaging/testing a normal service vet may not offer.

If her ears are bothering her, there is certainly a problem with them so the ointment should make a difference. Antibiotics will help if there is concurrent bacterial infection and prednisolone has an anti inflammatory effect. So you have medications that should help against a few symptoms and conditions. Perhaps she will feel better today. The other thing I would keep in mind is if she could have inhaled something like a grass seed. These are very commmon where I live at this time of the year. So if she seems to be getting better continue with treatment, if she is getting worse or not improving have her reassessed. All the best and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach !

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!