Prednisone for Dogs

Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid (administered as drugs to reduce swelling and decrease the body's immune response) that is administered in dogs and cats for the treatment of certain conditions such as anaphylactic reactions, spinal cord trauma, and many other forms of shock. It is also widely used for treating autoimmune disease in dogs (canine autoimmune disease). This medical condition occurs when the body's own immune system creates antibodies against the tissues present in the body, for no apparent reason. Apart from being diagnosed in the humans, this disorder has been found to be common in dogs, cats and horses, among the animals. Prednisone for dogs is also used for different cases such as neoplasia and dermatologic diseases; allergic reactions like asthma, hives and itching. The treatment of inflammatory bowel disease in dogs (canine IBD), inflammatory orthopedic diseases and many other disorders are also subjected to the use of prednisone.

Dosage

Before administrating the medicine, it is very important that a qualified vet is consulted. Such medicines are prescribed drugs and should only be obtained from a vet or by prescription by a vet. The dosage for anti-inflammatory medicines goes from 0.1 to 0.3 mg per pound up to twice on a daily basis. Immunosuppressive doses should be limited from 1 to 3 mg per pound and it should be administered three times daily. Other range between 0.1 to 3 mg per pound. The length of the course of medicine widely depends upon the specific condition and the characteristic response to the medication. The development of any kind of side effects should also be noted and informed about to the vet. The prescribed duration of the medicines must be completed as recommended by the doctor, even if the dogs start feeling better.

Side Effects

# Usage of this medicine has been known to cause adverse side effects in the animals. Gastric side effects like stomach ulcers and disturbed process of absorbing nutrients have been found in the dogs. The drug often makes them more thirsty than usual and increases frequency of urination. Weight gain is another characteristic side effect that may show up. This is because, the drug causes the dogs' appetite to increase abnormally. Due to this, dogs crave for food even if they are full after taking their meal.

# Dogs may suffer from pain and inflammation in pancreas and become prone to diabetes. This happens as the drug causes imbalance in the glands that are responsible for keeping diabetes under control. Diarrhea, fatigue, muscle weakness or joint pain and vomiting are some other side effects which usually come up during the course of using prednisone.

# Prolong use of prednisone may also cause dogs to lose hair coat, suffer from liver impairment, thinning of skin, cataracts, and glaucoma. Unpredictable changes in the behavior of the animal such as abnormal fear or aggression may also be noticed. Overdose of the drug may lead one of the most severe side effects known as hyperadrenocorticism in dogs; also known by the name 'Canine Cushing's disease'. It is a complicated condition that occurs due to the overproduction of glucocorticoid in the pets' body and it is signified by a wide range of symptoms and causes.

# Being a corticosteroid, the drug hinders the normal functioning of the adrenal glands. Its use for a longer period induces dependency on the drug as the body may not be able to produce corticosteroids on its own.

Due to such severe side effects of prednisone on dogs, it is mandatory to use the drug with care and follow only what has been prescribed by the vet. What is important to be considered is the amount of dosage given to the pets. Prednisone for dogs is no doubt effective, however, to ensure that is it safe at the same time, always seek for a vet's advice and directions.