My one cat, age 11, has been on steroids for the past month for Inflammatory Bowel Disease. However, I would be very reluctant to put any animal on steroids for arthritis. There are some wonderful options out there, whether something like Cosequin, or as someone else mentioned, Adequan, which I have used with my horses, for arthritis.
If you do decide to go with the steroids, know this...the vet should issue a starting dosage for an agreed-to time period, say two weeks or a month. Then the vet should have you gradually taper off the dosage until you find the dosage that makes your baby comfortable. That may be a larger dose, a smaller dose or nothing.
I have a large breed dog who is 13 and on Cosequin for arthritis. She has done wonderfully well on it.
Good luck with your decision and with your baby's ailment. |