Not sure if it matters but the shot was Dexamethasone. I looked it up and it's "a corticosteroid that blocks the production of substances that trigger allergic and inflammatory actions". It also upset the poor guy's stomach for a day.

He got a shot of Prednisone (steroid)? ..... Not sure if it matters but the shot was Dexamethasone.



Steroids have many potential side effects, short- and long-term.

They're used judiciously, weighing the pros and cons.


I'm so glad he's better.

Ok- well, two weeks later and it's not better. His nose is beginning to discolor (although the sneezing went away). Took him for a follow up visit after work today and the vet wants to take a biopsy because it looks like http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canine_discoid_lupus_erythematosus . Ugh- poor guy

I'm sorry to hear this.

Are you familiar with DLE, Carolyn? Do you want some reading material?

I'd love a few links- Thanks Connie.

http://www.dogaware.com/articles/wdjnoseandtoes.html#dle

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?A=2470

http://www.vetstreet.com/care/lupus-erythematosus-in-dogs

BUMMER.

Please keep us posted, Carolyn.

Got a call from the vet yesterday evening (a voicemail- I missed it) saying that the results from the biopsy were consistent with DLE; I'm so relieved it wasn't SLE. I have a return call in and am waiting for the call back to discuss treatment.

Vet gave Jake a prescrip. for prednisone (sp?) to start in the mean time so started that yesterday. He suggested during the original visit that this would be a short term medication to try and get it under control, and then hopefully taper off completely or use as flare-ups occurred. I think I remember him saying that I might be able to apply a little olive oil to Jake's nose to help soothe?? but want to talk with him today to confirm before trying it. Also to make sure I'm giving him a Vit E + Omega3 supplement.

Anybody know of any balms or other things that could be applied to Jake's nose while it's healing? I found this online: http://www.amazon.com/Snout-Soother/dp/B0035KE2FQ/ref=pd_sxp_grid_pt_0_1 . Doesn't seem like it would hurt, and it has Vit E in it which is good. Might not be any better than the olive oil lol.

Thanks again for the links Connie- the veterinaryparter.com one was what the vet printed out for me as well.

bump