Prednisone Side Effects in Dogs

Prednisone is a corticosteroid that is used in the treatment of certain dog illnesses. It is very effective in the treatment of autoimmune diseases like Addison's disease or Crohn's disease, and inflammatory diseases like allergies, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis. It is an inactive drug until it is converted into prednisolone by the liver. Prednisolone is an active steroid which helps in the treatment of the diseases mentioned above. It is an immunosuppressant drug, thus, it acts by suppressing the immune system. This makes it an effective treatment option for autoimmune diseases, which are caused by an overactive immune system attacking different organs in the body. A variant of prednisolone, called methylprednisolone, is commonly used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases in dogs, due to its anti-inflammatory nature. In spite of its many uses to treat various illnesses, excessive use of prednisone can cause some side effects in canines. Prednisone side effects in dogs can range from mild to severe, and improper use of this drug can even lead to death.

Prednisone Uses in Dogs

Given below is a list of dog health problems that are treated with prednisone.

• Excessive itching
• Hives
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Allergies
• Asthma
• Autoimmune disease
• Spinal cord injuries
• Kidney disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Crohn's disease
• Addison's disease
• Ulcers
• Tumors

Prednisone Dosage for Dogs

Although prednisone is an effective drug, it needs to be administered carefully, because it can have hazardous side effects in dogs. Prednisone should be given to dogs only on the advice of a certified veterinarian. Prednisone dosage - corticosteroids use for people is not the same as prednisone dosage for dogs. It needs to be monitored very carefully in order to avoid adverse effects in dogs. It is also important to let the veterinarian know of any other medications that the dog is taking. The dosage of prednisone for dogs is calculated according to the dog's weight. Prednisone dosage for inflammatory diseases ranges from 0.1 to 0.3 mg per pound of weight. It needs to be administered twice a day, for the duration of time recommended by the veterinarian. The dosage of prednisone for dogs in the case of autoimmune diseases varies from 1 mg to 3 mg per pound of weight, and is usually given thrice a day. Again, the number of days that the medicine needs to be taken depends on the duration advised by the veterinarian, as side effects of prednisone use are many and dangerous. Overdose of prednisone for dogs can be fatal, therefore precaution must be taken while administering the medicine.

Prednisone Side Effects in Dogs

There are many side effects associated with the use of prednisone. Given below is a list of some of the common side effects of prednisone in dogs. Interestingly, prednisone side effects in humans are more or less similar to those in canines.

Excessive Thirst and Hunger: Prednisone makes dogs unusually thirsty, and also increases their hunger. This results in frequent urination and abnormal weight gain in dogs.

Gastrointestinal Disorders: Prednisone for dogs is known to cause gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea, vomiting, stomach ulcers, and general gastrointestinal discomfort.

Canine Diabetes: Long term use of prednisone can cause diabetes in dogs. This happens when the body is unable to produce enough insulin, or when the body is not able to absorb the insulin that is being produced. This causes accumulation of glucose in the blood, which leads to diabetes.

Canine Eye Diseases: Prednisone use in dogs can cause eye related problems such as poor eyesight, glaucoma, and cataracts. These need to be checked by the veterinarian. Read more on canine eye diseases.

Muscle Wasting and Fatigue: Use of prednisone in dogs can cause side effects such as unusual weakness and fatigue. For this reason, excessive use of this drug should be avoided.

Inflammation: Prolonged use of prednisone can cause pain and inflammation in joints, making it difficult for the dog to walk.

Behavioral Changes: Unexpected change in dog behavior such as excessive restlessness, anxiety or aggression can be caused due to excessive use of prednisone for dogs. Hence, it is important to monitor any abnormal behavior in the dog.

Skin and Hair Coat Problems: Another side effect of prednisone use includes loss of hair coat and thinning of the dog's skin. The hair coat may also lose its luster. The dog can becomes prone to skin infections, which are difficult to heal.

Canine Cushing's Disease: Also known as hyperadrenocorticism, this is one of the most serious prednisone side effects in dogs. It is caused by a hormonal imbalance which results in overproduction of the hormone cortisone. Symptoms of canine Cushing's disease include excessive hunger, thirst, urination, weight gain or weight loss, and a weakened immune system.

Prednisone Withdrawal in Dogs

Being a steroid, prednisone has positive and negative effects. It is, therefore, important to gradually decrease the intake of prednisone dosage in dogs. Sudden stoppage of the administration of prednisone can be fatal. This is because prednisone intake decreases the production of cortisol in the dog's body. Cortisol is a natural steroid produced by the adrenal gland. Sudden prednisone withdrawal can result in deficiency or absence of cortisol in the dog's body, resulting in adrenal crisis. Prednisone withdrawal should, therefore, be done under the supervision of a veterinarian, and any abnormal symptoms should be immediately referred to him. Some prednisone withdrawal symptoms in dogs include malaise, weakness, fatigue, vomiting, behavioral changes, loss of appetite, and difficulty in breathing. Prednisone withdrawal symptoms in human beings are also similar.

Though its various health benefits make this a very useful drug, it is important to be aware of prednisone side effects in dogs. Canines showing the above symptoms should be taken to a vet immediately. Everyone loves dogs, and it is the responsibility of dog owners to take good care of their pets. Taking the dog for regular check-ups to the veterinarian will ensure that it remains healthy and happy. Dogs are considered to be man's best friends. It's time to show them that human beings are dog's best friends!