DEBATE ON DEX / SOLU-DELTA / CORTICO-STEROIDS

[Officially Retired]

I don't think all fights are exactly the same, no. I do think a great majority of them are the same in regards to actual damage and exhaustion instead of any type of shock. When I sit here and think about everything I've seen in relation to these dogs, I think I've seen no more than 10 dogs that I believe were actually in shock and not just at a point of exhaustion.

Hmmm, I can think of several dogs I have seen with unresponsive pupils dilated, etc. Some that would hardly blink when their eyes were touched, etc.

Do I think there are times to use some of those drugs? Yes I do, but I don't believe it's after every long, hard show a dog may have as I've seen too many dogs handle those shows with just fluids, and some of those dogs were hanging around death's door.

Clearly, fluids and antibiotics are numero uno.

I agree that not every dog that goes the long haul is in shock, sure.

Yet, I believe every one of them could still benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties of something like dex. Not at the shock doses, but general doses given to reduce swelling, pain, and discomfort.

Again, all based on individual assessment.

I don't think many people are able to make a distinction between sheer exhaustion and shock, and that included me at one point in time.

I am sure this is true.

I think for 98% of the shows out there, dex or any anti-inflammatory isn't a MUST have drug.

I would have to disagree.

Some, yes.
98%, no.

I hear what you're saying (most dogs quit before they're in shock), so the winner will be able to survive just fine on fluids/antibiotics, I get that.

But to say the winner doen't really need anti-inflammatory? I can't agree with that.

Anti-inflammatories may not be critical for their survival, but they absolutely WILL reduce swelling and not make them have to go through painful, swollen hell.

Again, you may not always have to give the shock dose, but SOME anti-inflammatory will make their recovery easier, I absolutely know this to be true.

It's not a bad idea to have them on hand if the dog is actually IN shock, and at this point, I think people should learn what shock actually is and what the signs/symptoms of such a process are. If not, they could be causing more overall harm than good to their dogs.

I agree with this: I think the SHOCK DOSE of these drugs should be used judiciously. But I think the use of the swelling dose should be given after every single match, because that dog has HOLES and SWELLING ... and will be swollen/stiff as hell without them.

We do agree that the SHOCK doses of these drugs should hardly ever be given ...

Thanks,

Jack