My dog has bronchitis. How to avoid unnecessary meds or prednisone side effects?

Question

hi there, my dog has be Dx w/ chronic bronchitis via Xray and Hx. the vet would like to put her on prednisone and an antibiotic. We have not tested her for an infection - is there a way to do this easily as I don't want to give her antibiotics if they aren't necessary? Also, is there any other reasonable alternative (herbal or otherwise) to the prednisone - I really would like to avoid the side effects?

Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA · Accepted Answer

A blood test may be able to indicate any infections present but the vast majority of cases do have a low grade infection due to the trauma and injury associated with prolonged coughing and do benefit from a course of antibiotics if unwell. I would also recommend a course of prednisone to settle the condition and allow the inflammation and irritation to reduce and natural antiinflammatories may be considered to try to maintain the condition thereafter. The side effects of steroids are generally dose and time related and short courses are of limited risk of side effects compared to the benefits produced

My dog has bronchitis. How to avoid unnecessary meds or prednisone side effects?

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