Absolutely thrilled

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poiuytrewq

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Quick background although I'm sure I've mentioned him before, I was offered a puppy with deformed leg/shoulder joints some years back. I took him mainly as I thought he needed a vet and probably pts.
He saw a fab vet, had lots of investigatory bits done and the outcome was basically
He's got no shoulder joints and just hasn't developed quite right before birth. He was tiny, and still a tiny puppy with puppy teeth and fluff til a year. I was told he was a bit mentally retarded but that he was in no pain and was very happy so ethically good to keep. They warned his organs or other vital bits might not have developed properly either and given a probable life expectancy of 3. I decided to make him the happiest dog alive for the time he had.
Over the years he's improved very visibly and does almost everything a normal dog can. He's literally the happiest most wonderful little dog I've ever known.
Today, aged almost 4 he's just had a vet check which he's passed with flying colours.
I can't explain how happy I am! I truly worship him (family think I'm crazy, apparently like a mad old dog lady!)
Oh ok, went off on bit of a tangent there 😂 Sure you all get the message!
Question is, a few months back he had a skin allergy which became infected as he licked.
That's sorted but in the meantime I noticed the steroid medication albeit a tiny dose was helping his leg strength (he has started jumping higher, running faster)
The vets are happy to keep him on a small dose as long as he stays healthy. It will be reviewed every 6 months.
Would you be happy to give long term steroids? I know In people it's not great but I'm inclined to think it's worth it in this case as it's not only helping his skin but him in general.
 
That sounds great OP - well done you for giving him a chance! In the circumstances you describe, I think a low dose of steroids long-term sounds like a good idea - as it will be monitored you can always take him off them if it turns out to be harming him. Given his condition, you were always going for quality not quantity of life so it sounds well worth the risk. Any pictures?
 
I'm another quality over quantity voter, so long as your vet is happy and monitoring the 'pup', I'd carry on as you are. In fact I'm guessing that the risk is pretty low if checks are only 6 monthly.
 
I had my doubts at the time if you were doing the right thing for this pup but I am delighted to be proved wrong. Another quality over quantity vote here, if the steroids are going to help him then go with it.
 
MurphysMinder said:
I had my doubts at the time if you were doing the right thing for this pup but I am delighted to be proved wrong. Another quality over quantity vote here, if the steroids are going to help him then go with it.
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I take it I've posted previously about him then! He's proved me wrong too. As I say I took him originally to pts.
This summer he's learnt to swim and just loved it. I'd been too scared to let him near deeper water. Am now considering hydrotherapy for him too.
Thanks everyone, will defo carry on the steroids the vet said the dose is very low.
Everything is done with a wag and a smile :)

I will try and post pictures. He's also exceptionally pretty ;)
 
if the skin has cleared up you could try nsaids -previcox meloxicam carprofen etc instead of steriods(as its likely the pain relief component of the steriod that's helping)
Nsaids have much less long term severe complications then the steriod's so are a safer bet for longterm pain control.

If the nsaids don't work for him then all well and good if steroids are improving QOL they are needed....but be aware the warnings are there for a reason...so you need to be on top of catching infections etc and looking out for the hormonal diseases later on(cushings diabetes pancreatitis etc)
Id be using as a last resort rather then a first. Now that you knows he better on pain relief(steroids are incredibly powerful painkillers) it just takes finding what suits him...that may be steroids but i'd check the others as well.

P.s delighted to hear he's doing well!
 
In the past we have tried pain killers by way of a trial thing as he shows no sign of pain on manipulation of anything or in day to day life. There was no change at all.
 
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