Prednisone for Cats

Prednisone is a widely used corticosteroid drug that is used for treating a number of medical conditions in cats. It is one of the widely used medications in veterinary care. It helps in treating Addison's disease, inflammation due to arthritis, allergies and even helps in treating some types of autoimmune diseases. You cannot just give prednisone to your cat, without the advice of your vet. The dosage for cats depends upon the weight of the cat. It is a prescription drug and is sold per tablet.

Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid that belongs to the glucocorticoid class. The glucocorticoids help treat cats in cases of dysfunctions. These are also produced naturally in the adrenal glands and are responsible for breaking down proteins and fats, which are converted to glucose. The low doses of prednisone is given in cases of allergic reactions. In case of moderate doses, it helps as an appetite stimulant and anti-emetic agent, that is, helps prevent vomiting and nausea. High doses of prednisone for cats with cancer are used in chemotherapy and also to treat immune and autoimmune diseases like ulcerative skin disease.

Types of Prednisone
Prednisone for cats is available in syrup form, suspension liquid, various sized tablets and injectable form in two concentrations. The vet will determine the dosage amount according to the cat's condition. The most preferred type of prednisone is tablets. In case of bacterial shock, the vet may administer the injectable prednisone.

Uses of Prednisone
Prednisone not only helps in treating inflammation and autoimmune diseases, but also helps reduce swelling and itchy skin due to cat skin allergies. In case of an allergic reaction of the eyes, it helps in reducing the redness and itching. This corticosteroid suppresses the inflammatory response, due to many different agents.

Prednisone is given in case of anti-inflammatory conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, allergies, severe skin inflammation and for breathing problems due to swelling in the mouth and nasal passage. It is also used to treat anaphylactic reactions, spinal cord trauma and other types of shocks. The dosage in such cases is usually 1 mg per pound, once or twice a day. When the cat seems to get better, the dosage is reduced to one time per day till the cat is fully cured. In case of autoimmune conditions like hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, the cat is given 1 to 3 mg per pound of prednisone, for cats once a day. The dosage is reduced to 1 to 2mg per pound, as the cat gets better.

Side Effects of Prednisone
Prednisone like all other drugs has side effects, that can affect your pet animal. Many owners tend to give their pets large doses of prednisone, if they find any problems with their cat health. If the animal ingests doses of prednisone for more than a week, the cat may become dependent on the drug. There are many side effects like:

• High blood pressure, especially in diabetic cats
• Retention of fluid
• Increased frequency of urination and renal disorders
• Excessive thirst
• Gastrointestinal ulcers.
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Muscle degeneration
• Change in cat behavior, like aggression or hiding
• Poor coat quality
• Hair loss

The cat may also suffer from long term side effects like weight gain, Cushing's disease, eye disorders, weakening of muscles, etc.

This was some information about this wonder drug for cat's that may have many serious complications if given without medical guidance. You as an owner should provide your cat with the best pet care available. You should provide good and healthy cat food and never treat your cat without the veterinarians advice. Always keep in mind, a healthy cat is a happy cat.