My dog has an ear infection. Why is he sleeping so much on steroids?

Thanks for using Boop by Petco! Macrolone contains a steroid but is not expected to result in side effects like the ones you describe. The only instance where that medication could result in such side effects is if for example it is causing like gastrointestinal ulceration and anemia. In that case you may notice black tarry stools and his gums may look pale. If that is the case, I recommend that you have him evaluated as soon as possible as that may represent a medical emergency. Otherwise, severe lethargy can be observed with a variety of conditions going from anemia to pain/discomfort. I recommend that you have him evaluated by a veterinarian soon as that degree of lethargy is not expected from that medication and is likely something else going on. Good luck!

Hello, thank you for using Boop by Petco. I'm sorry that Bear is having this issue. Yes, I do think you should take him to MedVet today as an urgent appointment. Typically steroids (like Prednisone) actually increase appetite so I am concerned that he has not eaten in 48 hours despite being on steroids. I hope this helps. Best wishes.

I'm sorry to hear that Loki isn't feeling great. If his ears are really sore, that could certainly make him more sleepy than usual. He should start feeling much better after about 3 days on the ear medications - if he's not perking up I would recommend giving your vet a call to see if they want him to come back in. It's fine to give the Malmetazone twice daily. The website will list the way the product was approved to be used or the way the manufacturer recommends it be used, but we frequently modify these recommendations to meet the needs of individual patients or based on more recent research. I would recommend continuing to give both treatments as recommended. I hope Loki is feeling better soon! Thanks for using Boop by Petco and let me know if this was helpful information.

Yes, that would be the assumption. Steroids are very potent anti-inflammatories. So he likely has/had some inflammation in/near the inner ear canal that was causing his hearing loss. It is not something your vet would know just by looking in the ear with an otoscope. This inflammation would be behind the ear drum and a CT scan would have been needed to find it. Hopefully this course of steroids will resolve the issue completely. If you wean him off the steroids and the hearing loss returns then there is something else going on in there, at which point, a CT scan would be recommended.

Hi there. Poor Miles! It is common for them to exhibit "sick behavior" when they feel ill just like us. He probably doesn't feel up to playing right now-and many ear infections can come with a fever which will increase lethargy. If he is still eating and drinking I am apt to worry less. If he continues to just lie around listlessly I would take him back to your doctor to make she he is parasite free (especially intestinal parasites) and that he doesn't need systemic antibiotics. I hope this helps!

He could have a bad reaction to the steroids, one of the common side effects is stomach upset and stomach ulcer, please contact your vet as i'm not sure the steroids are needed for the ear infection (i never prescribe systemic steroids for an ear infection).

This depends on the drug that was given but it is possibly a side effect. Also remember that ear infections themselves can cause lethargy or “off” behavior as can the stress of visiting the vet. Don’t panic unless you see vomiting, diarrhea, facial swelling, collapse, or other worrisome signs. If you’re seeing any of those, get to an emergency vet IMMEDIATLEY as these could be signs of a severe allergic reaction. Best of luck and I hope Baby is feeling better soon!

Based on your description, I would suspect as well that Sheila isn't suffering from the ear infection still, but keep in mind that I can't say this for certain without seeing her in person. She may be feeling lethargic, which is a very general sign of illness, and I would keep an eye on her for now. Should this lethargy continue over the next 48 hours, I would have Sheila seen by a vet for a health check.

No, it’s not really common unless the rear infection has ruptured the ear drum and is really down in the middle ear, which is very very rare. I would be concerned that another problem is going on. I would recommend a follow up appointment with your veterinarian. They may want to perform some blood work for more information. Good luck, I hope he improves soon.

I'm sorry Ed has meningitis, but I'm glad that he is responding well! Steroids like prednisolone can cause GI effects like vomiting and diarrhea (less common) and can have the risk of causing GI ulcers. Medication for these would only be prescribed if he is showing signs of these side effects, but you can talk to your vet to see if they feel any medication might be helpful for him. Only your vet can decide if additional medication is needed as they can see him in person and I can't. A mild runny nose could be cause by a respiratory infection, and I would speak to your vet about it to see if they have any concerns about it.