Prednisone

Jersey lay sprawled out on one of her beds in our front room.  The window was cracked so she could get some fresh air.  The sun was out and the view onto the street was unchaged.  People still walked their dogs by our house.  Cars still drove up and down the street. Jersey, who is usually so attentive to such mundane things was oblivious.  She was tossing and turning, unable to get comfortable.  She had a pretty scared, vacant look in her eyes.  She was obviously distressed and was beginning to worry us.  We weren't sure what was going on and didn't know what to do

Prednisone is a Corticosteriod which is supposed to be an anti-inflamatory to reduce swelling and therefore reduce pain.  It had been prescribed for Jersey along with her monthly dose of Lomustine.  The Lomustine is orally administered and is supposed to provide an initial blast which aggressively attacks the cancer cells.  Its half life is very short and is supposed to be out of her system within 48 hours.  The Prednisone is given to continue working on the cells and reduce the effect they have on her lymph system.

The Lomustine can be nasty.  One is not supposed to let the dog lick you.  You have to dispose of whatever poop there is wearing rubber gloves and a mask.  Then your supposed to put the poop in a sealed plastic bag, label it hazardous material and get rid of it carefully. The dog is also supposed to be kept apart from everyone, other dogs included.  The medication is very toxic and is harmful to animals and humans.

It's hard to watch her struggle with its effects.  However, it will help defeat the cancer and can potentially lead to remission.

The Prednisone she is to take with it is another story.  It's not the same kind of steriod a body builder would take.  It's not a growth hormone so it's supposed to be safe and have minimal side effects. I don't think that's true.

It's long term effect is that it can destroy the kidneys and the liver.  It will have a deliterious effect on an otherwise healthy Adrenal gland which produces Cortisol, an essential chemical produced by the body to keep internal systems in check.  The Prednisone tricks the Adrenals into thinking it doesn't have to produce any more Cortisol and will eventually go dormant. I'm not sure what the reasoning is to burn out an essential, otherwise healthy gland.  All I know is it can be a dangerous medication.

In Jersey's case, it wasn't having the typical result.  She was looking at us like she was pleading for help.  She didn't know what was going on or why she felt so bad.  The use of her rear legs was getting worse and worse such that she had gotten to the point she had much difficulty trying to walk.  Her thirst had increased which increased her water intake which had led to accidents in the house. She had never had these before.  This was a major reason I began carrying her outside.  Every two to three hours she had to pee.  the only way she could get out was with assistance from me. 

It also caused her to be ravenous.  This trim, muscular dog was all of a sudden getting fat which meant it was more weight for her joints to handle and it meant she was getting heavier and heavier.  It was getting harder and harder to lift her up and carry her.

We decided the side effects were were almost more dangerous than the cancer and as instructed by the vet, began to taper her dosage.  Abruptly stopping the medication can cause shock.  The withdrawal symptoms in humans can be terrible, imagine what it must be like for a dog.

Bottom line is, she is now at a lower, maintenace level of the drug.  It is now easier for her to get upAfter being carried down the stairs, she can now walk back into the house.  It tires her out but she can do it.  Her personallity has returned, the spirit is back in her eyes and she's smiling again.  Her appetite is also under control and she seems to love being present.  The Prednisone seemed to transport her to a terrible place.  Now, she's happy to be back where she belongs, with her family