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This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Treatments and Medications for Horses » Anti-inflammatories (NSAID's, Steroids, Arthritis Rx) » Dexamethasone »
  Discussion on Proper dosages for weaning off of Dexamethazone
Author Message
Member:
Hwood

Posted on Friday, Jan 2, 2004 - 10:36 pm:

Dr. O,

What is the proper reduction of dexamethasone in a horse that had equine herpesvirus encephelopathy? Day 1 she received 5 cc's dex (2 ml) IV. Day 2, two 3 cc's dex IM. Day 3, 13 cc's dex IM (one 3 cc and one 10 cc -- symptoms worsened.) Day 4 -- 20 cc's. The vet who started treating her has her going down to 10 cc's, 5 cc's and then the last two days of 2.5 cc's. Does this sound appropriate? All symptoms are now pretty much gone, but she was very ataxic, even walking in tight circles, and second vet noted cranial and facial nerve involvement.
Thank you for your help.
Holly
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Jan 4, 2004 - 10:02 am:

Hello Holly,
There really is no clear reason for weaing off of Dex after only a week of treatment, it takes much longer to create adrenal supprssion. I suspect the vet wants to be sure that the cause of the inflammation has gone away before coming off it completely and for that there is no clear answer, this seems reasonable to me.
DrO
Member:
Hwood

Posted on Sunday, Jan 4, 2004 - 12:13 pm:

Thanks, Dr. O.
Three different vets dealt with this mare in a week's time, and each had different ideas about the symptoms and treatment . . .
Just wanted to check with you, too.
Holly
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