steroids

[motoguzzi]

I asked about the steroids my bichon was on and that i give them to him in the evening. Would i be better giving them to him early morning, I get up at 6am for work and it would mean getting up half a hour earlier but it would be worth it just to get a full nights sleep, also would i just be able to change the times straight away or would i have to do it gradually?

[Mr Veritas]

I understand that you are concerned for your dogs health,but I am not sure why the evening time is not convenient; especially given that you would have get up half an hour earlier.
What do mean exactly by "evening" this might help us to understand a bit more.
BTW,if your vet has said give them in the evening I would consult him/her before any change of medication routine.The vet has said evening presumably because that is when the tablets are best for your dog.

[motoguzzi]

The vet wasnt very clear on when to give them to him, i just mentioned that i would give them to him after i get home, so he has them at 6.30pm. just thought if i gave them to him early morning that they would start to wear off for bed time and i wouldnt have to keep getting up for a drink and a wee, which is twice a night. He doesnt seem to drink much in the day, it seems to start about one hour after the steroids are taken and lasts till 7am.

[motoguzzi]

sorry, its me getting up with my bichon because he wants a drink and a pee not me wanting a drink and pee.

[woofgang]

are you sure they are steroids and how ould your pup get his drinks and pees if you are out at work?

[woofgang]

I really think this needs talking over with the vet

[motoguzzi]

Yes. def steroids, hes got lymphoma and hes on them to prolong his life, hes 17 years old. He belonged to my mum and dad but sadly they died last year and i promised my mum i would take care of him. he sleeps on my bed at night as he always did with my mum, hence having to get up with him in the night. My children work shifts so usually some one always in and if not hes got his own settee in kitchen and water to hand.

[paraffin]

I hate to say it but if his quality of life has gone, bearing in mind he's 17, wouldn't it be kinder to "do the dirty deed"?

I know how heartrendingly difficult a decision that is to take, but I've been through it enough times to know that it's the best thing to do in the animal's interests. Steroids will only delay the inevitable.

[josaphine32]

If he is on 3 tabs surely you split them 1 1/2 am and 1 1/2 pmwe give ours at 7.30 am and usually 3.30pm she drinks loads during the day still but is dry all night.
speak to the vets to get some advice

[motoguzzi]

he is still quite active and is not in any pain, he still wants to play, so no im not doing the dirty deed. I would only do that if he was suffering. Im at the vets tonight so will ask about the steroids, the vet definitely said 3 tabs in one go though.