An unexpected side effect started this week. In the middle of the night, Sophie’s jaw started to tremble uncontrollably and make her teeth click violently together. This little tremor would continue for a minute, stop for a while and then start again. We were all scared and exhausted by sunrise.
The vet called this phenomenon “chattering”– it could indicate jaw pain (best case) or small seizures (worst case.) I read somewhere that it could be a side effect of the prednisone, but didn’t find anything authoritative to support that.
The chattering hasn’t stopped but it’s a lot less frequent. We’re hopeful that it’s a temporary side effect and will eventually pass.
Otherwise, Sophie is in good shape. Her eye is drippy but not disturbingly so; she has more saliva but I wouldn’t call it excessive. She’s been tired lately but I attribute that to all that late night chattering. For a dog who got a whole month of radiation, she’s holding up pretty well.
postscript: chattering lessened and then stopped shortly around the same time we stopped using prednisone.
October 27, 2007 at 8:11 pm
Thanks for this blog, I’m glad to see Sophie did well overall with the radiation. We’ve at the beginning of this process with our 10yr old Shepherd /chow mix. We learned last night from his head xrays that there is a mass in his sinus cavity. Next step is a cat scan/ biopsy and meet with the oncologist. Its crazy to think back a week ago before noticing the pinkish mucas coming out of his nose and how changed life seems now. Last night was a very similar experience to what you described learning about Sophie’s nasal tumors. These fuzzy beings really take a hold of us don’t they? Good luck, I’ll send lots of positive energy and good thoughts your way.
October 31, 2007 at 9:11 pm
Jenn:
Thanks for your positive energy.
It’s really hard when you first get the news…but then you take a deep breath and figure out your options. Sounds like you’re already taking action, which makes it a little easier to handle.
Best wishes to you and your dog! I’ll be thinking of you!
November 27, 2007 at 8:46 pm
My dog was just put on predisone for allergies, and the “chattering” of her teeth started. Thanks for the info on your blog because that confirmed my suspicion – and the vet didn’t know the side effects. She is 7 and has never had any health issues (besides the recent allergy – paw licking) until they gave her predisone. Many best wishes for your cute little buddy Sophie.
January 3, 2008 at 10:07 am
Hi, how is Sophie? Our 11 yr old collie-x Sadie had her last session of radiotherapy on Christmas Eve. Aggressive nasal cancer. She is currently on predisone 5mg. Am concerned about long term use and coming off. Did you stop immediately or gradual? The vet hospital had her on 2 tabs per day for a few weeks, dropped this week to 1 a day and then 1 every other day. Our local vet thought she would be on them indefinitely, which I’m not happy about. Like Sophie she is now energetic but has lost facial hair and possible loss of her eye. How long was Sophie on predisone and has it had any negative consequences taking her off it? We are still on our roller coaster ride but just seeing her happy, playing and eating on Christmas Day was worth all the anxiety and tears. We wish Sophie and you a very happy and healthy 2008. Best regards, Gill, Ireland.