jak@bwkna.UUCP (Joann Keegan) (04/10/84)
*** We had a problem when our dog had a reaction to flea bites and was given a cortisone shot and prednisone pills. He did drink more water, and so did need to go more often. However, his problem was that he could get no force behind the stream, and would stand with his leg up, unable to relieve himself. Or, he would walk along dribbling. When I mentioned this to my vet, he said it was only the second time he'd had this kind of reaction to the medication (our dog is an Airedale Terrier; the other dog who reacted was a Boxer). The vet was glad we told him this, and cut back on the medication the next time (we've had this flea bite reaction at least twice now). So, I would suggest that the dosage your dog is getting may be too high, but if your vet doesn't think so, you may have to go along with him, or find another vet. In any event, you'll probably be glad to hear that the medication does work. There is also a topical cortisone liquid that can be applied. We used this when are dog kept licking and chewing on his pads, due to some sort of irritation. It relieved the itching, I guess, 'cause he would leave them alone as long as I applied it at regular intervals. Aren't dogs wonderful?!? Joan Keegan AT&T Bell Laboratories (...!bwkna!jak)