Thanks for the reply PL.
Is there a possibility that Badger could benefit from diuretics or a bronchodilator? He's on Corvental, which I believe is a bronchodilator? Does he have associated heart issues or is it a chronic pneumonia or something?He has larygeal issues. We are unsure what, whether its some sort of genetic deformity- which it may be because his cousin seems to be showing similar signs, it may be a slack soft pallet or some sort of paralysis Is he on antibiotics as well alongside the steroids.... in case of infection? Yes, he remains on continously Zithromax. We did try to do it as a course effect just before he started on steroids but without the zithromax he plummeted over the course of a week and the only thing that turned him round was oxygen therapy and then the steroids- it was then that he started them.Sorry I don't know much about his breathing problems and what they stem from.
Sorry to hear he is not a 10/10... hope you can get him back up there. I'm sure the weather isn't helping. Is it lower or upper respiratory? laryngeal issues causing LR issues Perhaps a humidifier would help if it was upper? definitely not- humid is not good or a nebuliser? This also doesn't seem to help- it did in the early days, but not anymore. It used to get rid of his cough, but, to be fair, I have not heard him cough since he started the steroids Obviously not for a lower RTI.
Sorry can't be of much help but hope your special little man feels better soon. x
p.s my understanding of steroid use, in humans only which is of little help here, is that the longer the use the increased onset of associated side effects. Is it possible that these are behind his sudden downturn? I don't know. I have not seen any obvious side effects, just recently he has started to rock while he breaths again, which is what he was doing prior to going on the steroids- although he is not rocking as bad as he was/ Could he have them on and off perhaps in courses rather than continuously? The steroids very clearly have a positive effect. He rocks when he is due his steroids but after having had them, he rocks less. I would be very reluctant to remove him from them because of how severely ill he was before being put on them. I would suspect it could kill him, to be honest. I'm just throwing ideas out here.
Donna- I really, really don't want to read Lionel's story because I know that heart breaking ending and also the timescale. The thought of that happening to Badger actually breaks my heart. It actually physically hurts. but thank you, you're right, it is something I should read.