STEROID shot AMBG 63; values after 141, 211, 245

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kim and simon

kim and simon

Member Since 2012
I took Simon in because he was doing a "praying posture" which the vet thinks is due to low potassium. He's also walking like his lower back hurts a lot. We got a potassium supplement but at the end of the visit Dr. suggested a dexamethasone injection. I didn't even think about it, but I remember people saying steroids are bad for diabetics. Simon is OTJ.
Can someone tell me how bad this is?
AAAHHHH!!

His BG has been fine so the low K isn't due to diabetes. He might have early kidney problems but his bloodwork doesn't show it yet.

Any other info on the ideal potassium supplement would be welcome as well. Cheers to all!
 
Re: I think I messed up. . .steroid shot

I should add. ..yes, he did actually get the shot. And he was giving it for arthritis. And it wasn't our regular vet! AARRGH!
 
Re: I think I messed up. . .steroid shot

Are you sure it was dexamethasone and not dasaquin? Dexamethasone, or other corticosteroids can be used for arthritis. It wouldn't be my first choice especially for a diabetic. I would get a couple of tests. I don't know if you'll see an immediate rise in BG. FWIW, some cats don't have big responses to steroids. Let's hope that Simon is one that doesn't. In the future, dasaquin or adequan may be better options or you can add Cosequin to his food -- it's over the counter.

I don't know about potassium supplements, other than the stuff tastes awful. Given that this isn't your usual vet, I'd talk to him/her. As for a "praying" posture, if you Google "praying posture in cats," it looks like this is more associated with pain or difficulty breathing. Did the vet bother to get a blood level for potassium? I would not give a supplement without knowing if the levels are low. Too much potassium is NOT a good thing either.
 
Re: I think I messed up. . .steroid shot

No advice, just sending good thoughts. Hope your kitty is feeling better soon and that this vet didn't bungle things up for you since you're OTJ.
 
Re: I think I messed up. . .steroid shot

I agree with Sienne on the potassium....you need blood levels.

Dexamethasone is usually a quick acting steroid which leaves the system within 24-48 hours so hopefully it won't raise his BG but if it does, then again, hopefully, they will quickly return to normal.

Hope you had a great Christmas and he will be ok.
 
Re: I think I messed up. . .steroid shot

His potassium was slightly low 3 weeks ago in a full panel. He also had low K when he was diagnosed with diabetes and at a test this summer. The vet didn't take a level today. The vet invoice does say dexamethasone. I'm glad it's short acting. Do I need to get tests? For how many days?

Simon does have cosequin daily which may help (?). I would not be surprised if something else is wrong also. We will be checking in with the regular vet after he returns from vacation.
I have been in several times lately because something has seemed vaguely off but we haven't found anything yet!

I hope we can get this figured out. Poor Simon is just not himself but he still is very interested in eating and so I think he's doing ok at home!
 
BG test 141 :(

He got a 141 2 hours after the shot. Big bummer. Is the idea just watchful waiting at this point? I do have a fresh pen still!
 
Re: STEROID shot AMBG 63; values after 141, 211

I got a 211 one hour after the last test. Probably about 3 hours after shot. GAH! I KNEW about this but I just wasn't thinking with my diabetes thinking cap today!
 
Re: STEROID shot AMBG 63; values after 141, 211

Hi Kim,

Leo had several shots over 4 days of the same steroid while we were in Colorado for his SRT treatment, his doctor assured me it wasn't as horrible as other steroids and that it was very short lived in the system. Hopefully those blues and yellows won't last too long.
 
Re: STEROID shot AMBG 63; values after 141, 211

Thanks so much, Tracy! Sometimes a little reassurance is just what I need!!
 
Re: STEROID shot AMBG 63; values after 141, 211

In Gracie's file at the vet, it states in big red letters "NO STEROIDS" but that's so it just somehow isn't given to her "by accident". But my vet knows that if Gracie were sick and we had to give steroids, that we'd just up her dose if need be.
 
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