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Test
your knowledge answers:
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- Answers:
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Answers:
- 1. Steroids do not have the requirement of days
to wash one steroid from the body before the start
of another. Many vets choose to give a steroid
shot and send home steroid pills. The using
of steroids
<-->NSAIDs or a
different brands of NSAID
<-->NSAID without out a 4-7 day
washout can contribute to potential for severe GI
tract complications. Warnings accompany each
medication with a package info insert. http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/Products/ApprovedAnimalDrugProducts/DrugLabels/ucm050105.htm
2. Steroids are the most powerful of
anti-inflammatories. The non-steroid
anti-inflammtory drugs (NSAIDS) are the lesser of
anti-inflammatories.
3. When there are solely pain symptoms with a disc
episode and no neuro diminishment, many vets often
choose a NSAID. Other vets choose to start with
a steroid to avoid dealing with the washout issue
should the NSAID end up not being enough to deal with
inflammation.
Mild
episodes can have the possiblity to progress to a more
severe case. Should neuro functions begin to diminish,
then a vet has a very, very serious consideration to
make. Usually a 4-7 day washout is ideal to avoid
double GI tract jeopardy with a switch from the NSAID
class to the steroid class. When nerve function is
being lost, the spinal cord takes priority over a
washout. With an emergency the GI tract is double
protected with not only continued use of Pepcid AC,
but the addition of sucralfate.
4. All anti-inflammatories whether they be from the
steroid class or the NSAID class increase the chance
of serious GI toxicity such as bleeding and
ulceration A stomach protector such as Pepcid
AC (famotidine) reduces production of acids.
Pepcid AC is generally considered a
safe-over-the-counter suppressor of stomach acid
production for a healthy dog and good insurance.
Dogs don't speak up at first signs of trouble like a
person would. By the time we notice black or red
blood in the stools, things can quickly go from
bleeding ulcers to a life threatening perforated
stomach.
Disclaimer:
This information is presented for educational
purposes and as a resource for the Dachshund
community. The coordinators are not veterinarians
or health care professionals. Nothing herein
should be interpreted as medical advice and all
should contact their pet care professionals for
advice. The coordinators are not responsible for
the substance and content contained herein and do
not advocate any particular product, item or
position contained herein.
c Jan 2016
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