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Prednisone for Dogs in Dogs
There are a variety of reasons why a vet might prescribe a course of prednisone for dogs. The corticosteroid can provide rapid relief for dogs suffering from inflammation and allergies, but it can also form part of a treatment plan for chronic conditions, such as cancer or Addison’s Disease.
Our five-minute guide to prednisone for dogs covers:
- What prednisone is and how it works
- What prednisone is used to treat in dogs
- Prednisone dosage for dogs and long-term use
- Potential prednisone side effects in dogs
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What is Prednisone?
Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid, or steroid, which is similar to cortisol, a stress hormone produced by the body’s adrenal glands. It works to suppress the immune system, which can lead to a reduction in inflammation. This can help alleviate immune-mediated disorders in dogs, as well as for a number of other animals and humans, too.
Prednisone vs Prednisolone
Once consumed, prednisone is turned into prednisolone in the liver, after which it takes effect.
However, if your dog has a liver issue that might prevent successful conversion, Prednisolone can be prescribed as an alternative. It’s designed to have the same effect, but the dosage is likely to be different.
What is Prednisone used to treat?
Prednisone is a drug that can be used to treat a wide variety of illnesses, including:
- Allergic reactions
- Hives and itching
- Asthma
- Inflammatory orthopedic diseases, such as Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Immune disorders, such as lupus and autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA)
- Addison’s Disease
- Some central nervous system disorders
- Spinal Cord Trauma
- Shock
- Cancer
Your vet might also choose to prescribe prednisone for other disorders not listed above if they have reason to believe it will provide relief.
For example, a recent study found that an application of prednisone during instances of acute pancreatitis found an earlier improvement of clinical signs in the dogs that had taken the treatment compared to those that hadn’t.
To keep your dog protected against a wide range of illnesses and injuries, look into getting them onto a wellness plan, which can cover routine treatment from your vet.
Can Prednisone be taken over the long term?
Often, prednisone is prescribed by a vet to act as an immediate fix — for example, in response to an anaphylactic shock or an instance of hives.
However, your vet might also decide your dog should take a course of prednisone over a longer period — for example, to replace a deficit of cortisol that occurs in cases of Addison’s Disease.
While it’s safe to take prednisone over the long term, there are risks that come with suppressing the immune system over an extended period. A vet will consider this when deciding a dosage, as well as weigh up the overall benefits against possible side-effects.
Prednisone Dosage for Dogs
Prednisone is sold under the brand names Deltasone, Pediapred, Rayos, and Prednis-Tab.
It’s most frequently offered as an oral treatment, which will either come in liquid or tablet form. It’s usually administered with food, often in the morning. However, it’s also available as an injection or a topical treatment, too.
Your vet will set an exact dosage when they prescribe a course of prednisone for your dog, including how many times a day you should administer the treatment.
Your dog’s weight and condition will be factors in deciding how much to give, but 2.5mg per 10lbs is a typical dose.
Your vet will also give you a tapering schedule to stop prednisone treatment. Stopping abruptly may cause Cushing’s Disease or Addison’s Disease, and can potentially be fatal.
How long does Prednisone take to work?
This depends on the reason for prescribing prednisone in the first place.
In many cases, it can be rapid, taking effect in as little as one or two hours. This efficacy is one of the reasons it’s used to treat such a wide range of illnesses.
However, there are other instances in which prednisone is intended to provide more long-lasting relief.
What happens if you miss a dose of Prednisone?
Give your dog the missed dose as soon as you’ve realized. However, if it’s near the time for the next dose, skip the missed one and give a dose of prednisone when it’s next scheduled.
Do not double up on doses as an overdose can be potentially harmful to your pet. If you suspect you have given your dog an overdose of prednisone, you need to contact your vet or an animal poison control center straight away.
Possible Side-Effects of Prednisone in dogs
Like many medications, your dog might suffer side-effects from taking prednisone.
Possible side-effects of short-term Prednisone usage
Over the short-term, potential side effects can include:
- Increased thirst
- Increased appetite
- Increased urination
- Vomiting (possibly with blood)
- Diarrhea
- Fever
If you witness any of these, contact your vet as they might be able to decrease the dosage or offer an alternative treatment. These side-effects often stop once the course of medication is finished.
Possible side-effects of long-term Prednisone usage
Dogs taking an extended course of prednisone might experience a range of different side-effects, which include:
- Weight gain due to increased appetite
- Hair loss
- Black or bloody stools
- Behavioral changes, like aggression
- Susceptibility to viral or bacterial infections (particularly bladder infections)
- Increased liver enzymes
- Muscle wastage
- Gastrointestinal ulceration
- Triggering or worsening of Diabetes Mellitus
- Cushing’s Disease (a result of too much cortisol in the body)
These side-effects are more likely to appear when prednisone is taking for longer than four months.
Are there any dogs that shouldn’t be given Prednisone?
Dogs with systemic fungal infections should not be given prednisone.
It must be also used with caution in dogs with the following health conditions:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Cataracts
- Vascular disease
- Kidney disease
- High blood pressure
- Osteoporosis
- Pregnancy
Possible Drug Interactions
During any veterinary consultation, it’s vital for pet parents to disclose all of the medications, supplements or herbal therapies they’re currently giving to their dog.
This is because certain drugs can interact with one another and nullify the intended impact of each — as well as possibly cause avoidable side-effects.
This true for prednisone, which has been known to react with the following:
- Antifungal medications, such as Amphotericin B
- Diuretics, such as Furosemide
- Immunosuppressants, such as Cyclosporine
- Insulin
- Estrogen
- Pain relief, such as Salicylate
- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS), such as Aspirin and Carprofen
- Seizure medication, such as Phenytoin
- Anxiety medication, such as Phenobarbital
- Antibiotics, such as Rifampin
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