Help Tapering Prednisone

[Helen1951]

My 4-pound chi was put on 4 mg/day of prednisone by his neurologist and it's making him a wreck.   He's definitely hungry which is ok, but also lethargic, shaking, has insomnia (I swear the dog hasn't slept in 5 days), panting, lying in a funny position with head stretched out in front of him.  

I got a second opinion from another neuro who said "reduce the pred" but didnt' want to give me a taper protocol out of professional courtesy, telling me to talk to the main vet.  I don't like ticking off vets (power of life and death you know) so I'm waiting to hear back from main vet but he's very slow.   I want my dog OFF this high dose!   But the horror stories about cutting down too fast have me scared.  

Can anyone suggest a safe method?  He's a 4-pound dog on 4 mg (2mg twice a day).  

What should be his next amount and for how long?  Then the next step for how long?

Thanks everyone!

[kerk2]

It never ceases to amaze me how many people will give their dogs steroids (prednisone) without understanding the effects and risks. Of course your dog is hungry, that's what steroids do. I have always sought alternatives to steroids with my pets, and have ONLY used them with two dogs that were terminal with cancer. And THAT was only in their last few weeks to buy them (and me) a little more time and comfort.

If my vet wanted to prescribe steroids, I would demand a good, SPECIFIC reason why, then research alternatives.

Just my opinion,  but any DRUG should always be a 'last resort'. There is a cost/benefit ratio attached to all of them.

[maryasm]

STOP THE PREDNISONE! I believe it has put my dog into irreversible renal failure!!!\

[JanisM13]

There is really no way someone here could
take on this responcibility,this is a medical
issue that needs to be handled by your
veterinarian,not a layperson.
Forget "ticking off the vet" if your little one
is having some kind of reaction YOU need
to get this vet moving if you have to go to
the clinic for written information and do it
right away. If it were my fur kid I would be
there yesterday and PROD the vet with a
cattle prod.."THIS IS YOUR FUR KID"
not the vets.
Please come back let us know if the vet
got things worked out...
Jan