Azathioprine use in dogs - need advice

[boomersmom]

Sorry if this is a long story.

My dog has been diagnosed with a detached retina. The vet said it is from an inherited condition that causes fluid to push the retina away from the back of the eye. He was on a high dose of prednisone for two weeks with the hopes the fluid would be reduced. He experienced the excessive thirst and lethargy that are side effects of the drug. He is a different dog on the meds. But the vet saw no results as far as reducing the fluid.

He now wants to wean my dog off the prednisone and put him on Azathioprine. It is used to treat auto immune diseases in dogs. However the side effects listed are scary. It says some dogs don't even want to move. I am not even sure the drug will help.

Has anyone has any experience using this drug on their animals? What were the side effects and do you think it is worth the risk?

Thanks in advance

 

[MarleyMurphy]

My dog was diagnosed with Immune Mediated Hemalytic Anemia and put on Azathioprine. She had no side effects from the medicine itself but because Azathioprine suppressed her immune system she developed several Urinary Tract Infections that were eColi based. These infections were resistant to all but 3 antibiotics and as soon as we would get one cleared up she would develop another. Eventually we had to take her off the medication and hope for the best because although she needed the medication, it was killing her. She ended up making it and is 2 years post diagnosis. If I didn't have to use it, I wouldn't.

 

[boomersmom]

Thanks for the reply. I think I will hold off on the Azathioprine for now.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I wouldn't base your decision on one reply above. Each case and reaction or non-reaction is different. Many humans take this med and do fine with it. Your dog might, too. Give it a try. The alternative for your dog is not good. Are you seeing a veterinary opthamologist?

 

[boomersmom]

Yes. We are seeing a veterinary opthamologist. I actually spoke with him again today. He said he had rarely seen serious side effects in all his years of prescribing the medicine, so I think we will give it a try.