Robin Nuttall wrote:
Shelly wrote:

chardonnay9 wrote in


Just because Melinda doesn't agree with me doesn't mean I'm a
kook.


The fact that you're a kook is what makes you a kook, ya kook.

She's a complete and total wingnut kook. I have her killerated but may
have to unkillerate her just to help newbies understand that this isn't
just one or two people "ganging up" on someone, it's a real effort to
make sure Chard's very dangerous and misinformed information doesn't get
dogs hurt or killed.

Lavender oil is more dangerous than steroids and Benedryl? My method
stops injury, yours attracts it.

Switching the dog to one protein like chicken solves the problem with
finding the allergen in a very short time. If it doesn't stop in 10 days
you know to switch to a different protein and move on.

Switching to a different kibble still leaves you with dozens of
ingredients to get lost in.

Yeah, I'm the kook because I don't use dangerous drugs on my dogs.

"Steroids don't take years to damage your system, as doctors maintain.
Permanent, crippling damage can occur weeks after you've begun treatment.

* Osteoporosis can occur within a matter of months. Steroids cause
8 per cent reduction in bone mass after four months (Ann Int Med,
November 15, 1993), the equivalent of the effect on your bones of having
your ovaries removed. Even low doses of inhaled steroids (400 micrograms
per day) reduce bone formation (The Lancet, July 6, 1991).
* Low doses (10-15 mg prednisone) for a year can cause cataracts
(Surv Ophthalmol, 1986; 31: 260-2).
* Topical steroids may begin to cause eye damage or raise pressure
after two weeks. Extensive visual loss can be caused by a 1 per cent
hydrocortisone ointment, which is available OTC (BMJ, August 20-27, 1994).
* Rub-on steroids have caused Cushing's syndrome in children as
soon as a month after treatment has begun (Arch Dis Child, 1982; 57: 204-7).
* Inhaled steroids slowth growth in children after six weeks (Acta
Ped, 1993; 82: 636-40. See also, The Lancet, December 14, 1991).
* Bilateral cataracts and glaucoma induced by long term use of
steroid eye drops"
http://www.healthyhappydogs.com/Article.Steroids

"Less than two weeks before Usdi passed away, she became very sick – her
breathing was laboured, and she had difficulty holding her head up. A
visit to the vet resulted in another steroid shot, and no investigations
to find out what the problem was.

Further visits to the vet over the ensuing days resulted in more
steroids and other drugs being administered to poor Usdi.

By the time the Shaffers sought a second opinion, after their vet told
them there was nothing further he could do, it really was too late. The
new vet immediately took blood tests and diagnosed severe Diabetes and
commenced immediate treatment. But sadly, Usdi passed away the day the
treatment commenced.

What can be learned from this tragic story?

ALWAYS question the need for any drugs administered by your vet. Never
assume that the treatment is required or even desirable, without seeking
further information in relation to the proposed medications. Ask about
the side effects. Ask for a "patient information sheet" on all drugs
prescribed for your dog’s health, and read them and understand how
certain medications will affect your pet. Your dog’s health depends on YOU.

If your vet prescribes steroids and fails to explain the possible side
effects, ask why. Ask for possible alternative treatments. And if your
vet continues to recommend the steroids, ask him/her the specific
reasons why. Investigate alternatives yourself if your dog is not
suffering from a life threatening condition.

And learn from Usdi’s story, that if your pet is on any type of steroid
therapy and hasn't had blood tests carried out, demand these test no
matter how much you trust your vet. The Shaffers trusted Usdi's vet
sadly to Usdi’s ultimate detriment. They were told that these tests
WOULD have saved Usdi."
http://www.healthyhappydogs.com/UsdisStory