My shih tzu had a slow-release steroid injection three days ago to treat an infected hot spot. Ever since, he has been very depressed. He eats and greets neighbors with slightly wagging tail..but the rest of the time he lays around, doesn't play, kind of looks at us blankly. Usually, he is very bouncy adn playful and happy.

I'm taking him back to the vet...but I'm wondering if this is a common side effect of steroids?? I'm very concerned about him and frankly had a bad feeling about the steroid injection..but the vet gave it to him WHILE he was telling me what he was doing. I may have told him to stop because my gut said no.

Anyway..just a worried doggie mom looking for some help.

thanks everyone.

[JazzyGirlHale]

i have a shih-poo, but he is mostly shih-tzu. he turned one in june. we got him groomed at petsmart and he got very bad razor burn on his butt and privates. when we took him to the vet the doctor gave him a steriod shot and some ointment and some pills. he get the pills and ointment sepperatly and only got one shot. but its been a day and a half and he really isnt the dame either. he also used to be peppy and really happy and jumpy and playful. now he just sits around and when we take him for walks he just sits down in the grass and doesnt want to keep going. he also doesnt eat unless we feed him and he doesnt want to go to the bathroom.
i hope i helped a little.

[Yogi]

the side effect you are describing does occasionally happen with steroid injections. They can become somewhat lethargic for a couple days. They may also have an increase in water drinking. If you feel uncomfortable though then take the dog back to the vet to be sure. Good luck.

[lulusmom]

Yes, depression is a common side effect of steroid shots and depending on what your vet injected him with, the side effect(s) can last anywhere from 1 to 6 weeks. I have dogs with cushing's and they overproduce their own steroids and before treatment, they were very listless, sleeping a good part of the day. If your baby just received the injection, you could possibly see additional side effects such as increased drinking and urination and increased appetite. All symptoms should subside over time and your vet should be able to give you a good idea as to what the time frame is.