[Lola's Mom]

I am new and trying to figure out what is going on with my baby, Lola. She is 20 months old, a Shitzu. I took her to the vet last Wednesday because she was itching so bad. We had been in Florida visiting my daughter. Lola began to itch about 3 days before we came home. Once we got back home she continued to itch, I figured the 20 degree something temp. would knock off whatever it was. It didn't, so I took her to the vet. He gave her a shot of Depo Medrol. In about 24 hours the itching stopped. But, it seemed she had a sudden personlity change. She stopped playing with her babies and with me. She is eating, drinking and going to the bathroom just fine. But, its like the light has been turned off. She acts like's a totally different baby. What happened. I took her back to the vet 3 days after the shot anf told him of the change. He said "Well,she is healthy, there is blood work we could do, but it is expensive. Just keep an eye on her, if she is not better in a few days bring her back and we'll put her on an anti-depressent". Taht's what I would do if she were mine!!!! Well, guess what sh is not better. She lays around. The light has gone out of her eye's. Someone, please help. I love my Lola!!!:

[suebgone]

here are the side effects of the steroid she is on. I would be going to another vet pronto - one that cares about your dog.

While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, methylprednisolone can cause side effects in some animals.

Methylprednisolone should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.

This drug should not be used in animals with glaucoma, diabetes, Cushing's syndrome (hyperadrenocorticism), pregnancy, congestive heart failure, corneal ulcers, high blood pressure and kidney failure.

Methylprednisolone should not be used in combination with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin.

Methylprednisolone should be avoided in animals with viral and fungal infections.

In general, glucocorticoids are not used before surgical procedures because these drugs may delay the healing process.

Methylprednisolone may interact with other medications. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if other drugs your pet is receiving could interact with methylprednisolone. Such drugs include furosemide, insulin, phenobarbital, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, other steroids and certain antibiotics.

Common adverse side effects of methylprednisolone include vomiting, behavior modification, lethargy, increased water intake, increased frequency of urination, increased appetite and panting.

Common adverse effects of long term treatment with methylprednisolone include hair loss, skin thinning and pigmentation, muscle weakness, diarrhea and complications related to diabetes.

Glucocorticoids may exacerbate gastrointestinal ulcers by stimulating the production of gastric enzymes and impairing wound healing


was there a change in food while in FL? have you thoroughly checked for fleas & ticks? staph infection?

[Lola's Mom]

Thank you! Yes, she did switch dog food. My daughter also has a Shitzu, so Lola began eating his dog food. She liked it alot better than her own. When we got home I went and bought her the same thing. I will go to a different vet today. She is still in bed! It was one shot, 8mg. Thank you, again! If you have any more advise please let me know.

[suebgone]

what is the food you are now feeding? I'm sure that will be the crux of the problem

[wishbone]

I'm sorry for what Lola's going through. If you might also consider her age, she's maybe changing into adult. She really need your closer attention for her changes and train her for some behavior.

[Lola's Mom]

She was on an organic dry dog food. It was higher in Crude Protein, Innova. She really didn't eat too much of it though. When we were in Florida she ate Royal Canin for Shih Tzu's. Took her to a different vet, he did a through exam. Blood, urine and x-ray. The x-ray was good, nothing abnormal. Find out the results of the tests later today. He said he never seen a sudden change of behavior with the steroid shot before, pill form, yes he has. If all comes back normal,then it was probably the shot. She may have been given too much! She is starting to do alittle better. Played with her ball for a few minutes, which she has not done since last Thursday! Keeping my fingers crossed and praying the blood and urine results come back normal.

[suebgone]

nothing wrong with Innova, I'm not nuts about the other one but thats probably what started the original problem

please let us know

[Lola's Mom]

Lola's blood & urine tests came back normal!!! She is starting to come back. The vet said it would be little by little. The shot was to last 3-4 weeks. But he said I should start to notice more next week, since it would be 2 weeks after the shot. Why don't you like the other dog food? I was reading the ingredients of the Royal Canin and it has wheat gluten in it. The other did not. Do you think it could be that? All her other dog foods that she ever had did not contain that.