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Discussion on Pred Acetate -vs- Dex for ERU
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Member:
3rsatsmf
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Posted on Tuesday, Feb 18, 2003 - 7:42 pm:
Hi Dr. O -
Can you believe it's me again - this time with another horse with ERU? My 4 yo Friesian was diagnosed last week. He is on dex ointment (I think 0.1% - does that sound right)? We started ointment on Thurs night. By Friday afternoon, he was all bright-eyed. I was away for the weekend (he got all his meds) and with the snow (we got socked with 2 feet) couldn't see him until today.
Anyway, he's worse off now, than when he was first diagnosed. This was the first time I'd used Dex ointment - is it less effective than Pred DrOps? (I think the Pred was 3% - what you use in humans) Putting the same question another way, are the Pred DrOps a more agressive treatment than the Dex ointment?
Also, any risks with switching from Dex ointment to Pred DrOps mid-treatment?
Thanks,
Joni
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Wednesday, Feb 19, 2003 - 6:11 am:
Generally dexamethasone is considered 10 times as potent as prednisolone so the two are similar but at these concentrations the pred gets a slight nod. No there is no reason you cannot change.
The article lists other beneficial treatments and if it remains refractory, and the diagnosis firm, a subconjuctival deposit of repositol steroid should make treatment easier yet much more effective.
DrO
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Member:
3rsatsmf
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Posted on Wednesday, Feb 19, 2003 - 7:13 am:
Hi Dr. O -
Thanks for the quick response! Actually the vet found a HUGE (lima bean size) corneal ulcer on his eye. That is both good and bad news, but I'll take it over another ERU flare.
You can bet I've just printed every word on corneal ulcers from your site!
Thanks,
Joni
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Thursday, Feb 20, 2003 - 6:46 am:
You must be careful Joni, treating deep injuries and possible infections with steroids greatly increases the chance of mycotic (fungal) ulcers which can lead to loss of the eye. Be sure any sign of worsening disease is treated rapidly and aggresively for this posiblility.
DrO
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Member:
3rsatsmf
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Posted on Thursday, Feb 20, 2003 - 8:19 pm:
Oh, Dr. O -
We stopped the steriods immediately. Actually we held off on his steroid the night the ulcer was found, until the vet came to check him. I just had a gut feeling that something was wrong.
Anyway, he's down at UPenn New Bolton center and they are taking real good care of him. I wasn't going to mess around for one minute!
Thanks,
Joni
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