Does anyone know how long steroids take to start working? Lottie had an appointment for a couple of issues today, but during the week I've also noticed her forcefully washing her face (she's old and rarely washes so unusual). Early this after I noticed brown blood/ear wax on her leg so got vet to investigate. It's not a tooth problem, no mites, gooey eye wax on opposite side. Vet cleaned the ears and is initially treating as inflammation/irritation and has given steroids (Dexafort). However. whatever is now driving her mad and she's shaking her head a lot (as it tiled slightly to one side).