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Why do my small dog's breathing issues return when Prednisone is lowered?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 4 months old | 17 lbs

My dog (8-10 months old, small breed , similar to dachschund) had a problem with breatching - he had a dyspnoea attacks, he was exhaling with a lot of effort. he had rhinoscopy and was diagnosed with some kind of acute inflammation of soft palate. Now he is taking Prednisone 1mg/kg and the attacks are gone, but when i try to go down with the dosage, the attacks come back. Is there something that can cause such a state? I'm not sure whether Prednisone will eliminate the cause.... Greetings

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Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 16th, 2017

Some dogs will have an elongated soft palate that can become inflamed, and prednisone helps reduce inflammation. Dachshunds are also more likely to develop a disease called lymphocytic-plasmacytic rhinitis that causes chronic nasal inflammation. This disease is usually diagnosed by taking biopsy samples during a rhinoscopy. In either case, the prednisone would probably not completely eliminate the disease and some kind of medication might be needed long term. I would recommend discussing treatment options with your veterinarian. I think his chest x-rays look normal for his breed.

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