My 10-year-old dog passed away last night. Two weeks ago, he was treated for a severe ear infection; the vet prescribed Dermipred 20 (one tablet morning and night for five days, then half a tablet morning and night for 10 days). On the very evening the treatment finished, Wednesday 24th October, he started panting and couldn't put any weight on his front left leg. We took him to the vet on Thursday 25th October. He was diagnosed with muscle weakness in his leg. The vet put him on a drip, supposedly to help with the pain. On the Friday, he decided to do an X-ray. We went in to see him and, to our shock, he couldn't stand on his legs at all and started urinating on himself. We left him there for the X-ray, but an hour later the vet called to tell us he had died. Granted, he was old and had arthritis, but today we're wondering if the Dermipred was responsible for his health deteriorating so quickly and ultimately for his death.
Translated from French
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Hello bille de verre, your messages have done me so much good, you really can’t imagine how much. Anyway, I wanted to give you an update after our visit to the local rescue centre: well, we’ve gone and done it – we fell for an adorable one-year-old Labrador. Honestly, seeing all those poor animals cooped up like that really breaks your heart. He’s certainly a change from our old boy, though; he’s very lively! But I’m not forgetting my Dino, even so. When you’re ready, I’d really encourage you to get another one – you shouldn't be left alone to dwell on dark thoughts.
Hi bille de verre, thank you for calling him a beautiful baby. It's true that he never lacked for cuddles and kisses; we were inseparable. You know, I’m so angry that I won’t be seeing my vet again—I don’t feel they did their job properly, and besides, I just can’t bring myself to go back to the surgery. It’s more than I can face. My husband, who’s retired, doesn't want to be in the house alone; he needs the company. Personally, I’d rather wait because I don’t want it to feel like I’m replacing Dino, but tomorrow we’re going to the local rescue centre to see if we fall for a new little furball. I’ll keep you posted, and I’d really like us to stay in touch, if only to keep each other’s spirits up.
Whenever I see the photo of your little one, I always think of a teddy bear; he’s so precious I just want to give him a big squeeze.
You’re right to follow your instincts—if you don’t feel up to seeing the vet, don’t go. It would only reopen the wound.
I was upset with my vet, but not really angry; I’m more the type where guilt just eats me up inside straight away.
I understand your husband, being retired he must feel the void even more. You can’t really say no to him wanting to seek out what he needs, and I understand your side too. Perhaps you could say that, to begin with, it’ll mainly be his dog—he’ll spend time with it during the day and make sure it gets plenty of exercise—but when you get home, it would be nice if the evenings could just be for you and your husband, without the pup. That way you can adjust gradually. Otherwise, there really is a risk of feeling like you’re replacing Dino, and that’s not good—it’s all too "fresh". Try to make an effort for your husband and ask him for a bit of a compromise in return; he’ll understand.
I’m currently going through my photos to save as many of my girl as I can, and I’ve managed a smile seeing them. It’s a bit of a break from the grief, though there’s still that heavy weight in my stomach most of the time. It just takes time... Yes, I’d love to stay in touch. We both lost our dogs within days of each other, so we’re at the same stage emotionally. I also noticed we’re exactly the same age and both still working....... 🤧
See you soon, Mjdino.
P.S. She looks very calm there, but she was usually quite the little explorer and an escape artist! She always had her nose in the bushes or was off chasing rabbits—she even went after sheep once 🤪, typical for a little hunting dog. 😁
Good evening @bille de verre, thank you for the lovely boy – it’s true he never went without cuddles and kisses, we were inseparable. You know, I’m so angry that I won’t be seeing my vet again; I don't feel he did his job properly, and I just can't face going back to the clinic, it’s more than I can bear. My husband, who is retired, doesn’t want to be alone in the house and needs the company. Personally, I’d prefer to wait because I don't want it to feel like I'm replacing Dino, but tomorrow we’re going to the local rescue centre to see if we might fall for a new little furry friend. I’ll keep you posted and I’d love for us to stay in touch, if only to help keep each other’s spirits up.
I agree with you, but what can I say about my vet who prescribed this medication without even checking his heart? I’m so angry with that man for not taking the time to give Dino the best possible care. I’m absolutely devastated now, and I’ll never recommend him to my friends again like I used to. I know I have to try and move on, but it’s just so hard.
He was such a gorgeous "baby", he makes you want to give him so many kisses, I completely understand how you feel!
I’m also dragging myself to work, I’ve lost all my spark, I've got a headache, I’m exhausted, my back is aching, and it’s not the flu. I just can’t cope, so many memories are coming back, and then there’s how it all happened—that last vet appointment in particular. She didn't even offer to leave me alone for five minutes with my little one who’d just passed away. Even though I went back into the room for one last cuddle, she could have stepped out; in the waiting room, when she saw her looking out the glass door and said, "The little sweetheart wants to leave," it was so insensitive.
I hope your chat with your vet does you some good; I truly think it will help you. And I’m sure you’ll take the time to really think about where you’re at before adopting another little bundle of love; it really comes across in your writing. Everyone reacts differently to that, it’s very personal.
I also wonder how I’m going to manage without the joy and the unconditional love a dog brings to a home; it feels empty and soulless since Siska passed away.
I’m so sorry to hear about your dog. I’m not a vet, so what I’m about to say shouldn't be taken as medical or legal advice. A dog’s heart is located on the left side, between the 3rd and 5th ribs—basically the point where the front left leg joint meets the ribcage.
Your dog is panting heavily, which shows he’s in pain, and he’s lifting his front left paw at the same time. Rather than a muscular issue, I’d be worried it's a heart attack or a cardiac oedema. Dermipred (prednisolone) should definitely be avoided for any dog with a heart condition or heart weakness.
Thanks enicia, it’s true that our Dino was such a handsome boy, and we miss him terribly at home. We need to fill this void, but of course we’re going to think it through properly; we could never replace our dog, he was one of a kind. The reason we’re doing it is because we have so much love to give. Dino certainly wasn't short of love during his life and we’re certain he was happy with us, which is a real comfort. Everyone reacts in their own way, of course, and if you need more time I completely understand – you’ll know when you’re ready. These chats are really helping my spirits, which are at a real low point right now, but as they say, life goes on. Best wishes.
Be careful not to look for your Dino in this new dog you’re wanting to make happy. Everyone’s different, but sometimes you need a bit of time to grieve before thinking about adopting a new dog who will be completely different. I lost my dog a month ago, after a course of steroids just like yours, and personally I don’t think I’m ready to adopt another dog just yet, even though the void he’s left is massive...
