This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Skin Diseases, Wounds, and Swellings » Overview of Diagnosis of Skin Diseases in Horses »
  Discussion on Depo-MeDrOl...how often may it be given?
Author Message
Member:
judyhens

Posted on Wednesday, Feb 17, 2010 - 11:50 pm:

We have a half-draft horse (~ 1300 lbs) who seems to have an itchy face. Rubs it regardless of season. We used an anti-fungal ointment which seemed to help - most of the hair grew back in - but the horse continues to rub on occasion. The vet was out today and suggested Depo-MeDrOl. Can we use that IM now and in two weeks or is that too frequently? (She has a horse show in one month). Can we use that concurrently with a fungicidal/ antibacterial shampoo once a week? We have occasionally put Eucerin cream on her face to prevent dryness. The weather has been cold and windy, which could contribute to dry skin...so we are trying to prevent that from adding to the apparent itchness. If this doesn't work the vet will do further allergy testing. Again, it isn't a huge problem...no significant lesions and most of the hair is back. Just a persistent problem.

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Judy
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Feb 18, 2010 - 7:38 am:

Hello Judy,
The problem with repeated use of Depo-MeDrOl is that it may cause the adrenal glands to atrophy overtime. I would recommend alternate day therapy with prednisolone it you are going this route. For more on this see, Treatments and Medications for Horses » Anti-inflammatories (NSAID's, Steroids, Arthritis Rx) » Prednisolone, Alternate Day Therapy.
DrO
Member:
judyhens

Posted on Thursday, Feb 18, 2010 - 9:06 am:

Thanks. I just read the article. Will see about getting those pills and the dexamethasone. We do have to stop any Steroid 2 weeks prior to the show so it won't be testable. Is ~ 2 weeks sufficient time to start and stop the pills?

My husband indicated that we were only looking at 2 shots total to try to stop the itching prior to the spring show. I was just worried about giving shots two weeks apart - re: risk of any side affects. Definitely not long term therapy. And, again, this isn't severe. Just something we'd like to get totally under control prior to sticking her is a 10 X 10 stall at the show where she will have a LOT of places to rub! She is also black, so rubbed places really show. :-(

So... (1) is two weeks sufficient to start and stop the EOD routine? (2) would 2 Depo-MeDrOl shots - total - be risky?

Thanks!

Judy
0 0
\_/


I
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Feb 18, 2010 - 8:35 pm:

No, 2 Depo shots would not be risky from a health standpoint but is likely to be detectable for weeks after it is given, after all this is a repositol form meant to last for several weeks. 2 weeks should be enough time to clear the prednisolone however but I cannot guarantee this.
DrO
Member:
judyhens

Posted on Saturday, Feb 20, 2010 - 11:55 am:

Thanks for your advice! I called USEF and they asked if we were competing FEI (I can only wish...) or endurance (which we are not). For other USEF classes, Depo MeDrOl is prohibited within 2 weeks of the show. It may be given before that, but if you give it exactly 2 weeks from the show, you, the vet, your trainer, etc., etc., must declare it and submit forms prior to the first class. Absolutely NOT worth it! We are going to give her one shot only - at least 3+ weeks out. Your info re: staying in the blood was much needed and appreciated!
Blessings,
Judy
Home Page | Top of Page | Join Us!
Horseadvice.com is a BBB Accredited Business. Click for the BBB Business Review of this Horse Training in Stokesdale NC