Prednisone Side Effects in Dogs

Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid that is used for treating certain medical conditions in humans as well as animals. Prednisone falls under the category of prodrugs. The term 'prodrug' refers to an inactive pharmacological substance that converts into its active form after it is administered. While prednisone is an inactive derivative, once it is administered, the liver changes it into an active metabolite called prednisolone. Veterinarians usually consider the administration of prednisone or prednisolone for dogs if the diagnostic tests are indicative of inflammatory conditions or autoimmune disorders. Methylprednisolone, which is a variant of prednisolone, is commonly used for treating inflammatory diseases in dogs. Though prednisone is a potent corticosteroid, 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 pose serious health risks. In this article, we would be looking into the medical uses of prednisone along with the common side effects of prednisone in dogs.

Medical Uses of Prednisone for Dogs

Veterinary uses of prednisone are numerous. It is commonly used for treating infections that may result from exposure to pathogens or allergenic substances. It is also used in the treatment of serious canine health problems. Once this synthetic corticosteroid is administered, it produces the same effect that a naturally-occurring corticosteroid hormone would produce. It acts as an immunosuppressant and is very effective when it comes to suppressing the body's inflammatory response to the presence of pathogens or allergens. Since it can regulate the immune response, it can be of great help in treating canines suffering from autoimmune diseases. An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system is unable to differentiate between the foreign agents and the body's tissues. As a result, it starts attacking the body's tissues. The use of prednisone can help in suppressing such an untoward immune response. Here is a list of canine health problems for which the use of prednisone may be recommended.

• 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. If one does not comply with the guidelines regarding its dosage, it can cause serious side effects in dogs. Prednisone should be administered only if a certified veterinarian recommends its use. When you take your pet to the veterinarian, make it a point to inform the veterinarian about any other drugs that is currently being administered. This will help in preventing any adverse drug reactions. 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. In case of autoimmune diseases, the dosage of prednisone for dogs is between 1 mg to 3 mg per pound of weight and is usually administered thrice a day. Again, the number of days that the medicine needs to be taken depends on the duration advised by the veterinarian. While short-term use of this drug is less likely to cause any serious side effects, the same cannot be said about the long-term use of prednisone. So, administer it only up to the duration of time recommended by the veterinarian. An overdose of prednisone can be fatal, therefore precaution must be taken while administering this drug.

Prednisone Side Effects in Dogs

There are many side effects associated with the use of prednisone in dogs. Given below is a list of some of the common side effects of prednisone in canines.

Excessive Thirst and Hunger: Administration of prednisone can cause excessive thirst. Besides making them unusually thirsty, it may also increase their hunger. This results in frequent urination and abnormal weight gain in dogs.

Gastrointestinal Disorders: Though the use of prednisone for dogs helps in alleviating the symptoms of serious ailments, it is known to cause gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea, vomiting, stomach ulcers and general gastrointestinal discomfort.

Canine Diabetes: Long-term use of prednisone can also make them susceptible to metabolic changes. Long-term use can increase the risk of diabetes in dogs. Canine diabetes occurs 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 in turn leads to diabetes.

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

Muscle Wasting and Fatigue: The use of prednisone in dogs can cause unusual weakness and fatigue. If your pet seems to be exhibiting lethargy, do consult a veterinarian.

Inflammation: Prolonged use of prednisone can cause pain and inflammation in joints thereby making it difficult for the dog to walk. Since prednisone is an immunosuppressant, there's an increased risk of the dog developing recurring infections.

Behavioral Changes: Unexpected change in the dog's behavior could occur due to long-term use of this drug. Excessive restlessness, anxiety or aggression could be attributed to the prolonged use of prednisone. Hence, it is important to monitor any abnormal behavior in the dog.

Skin and Hair Coat Problems: Another side effect of prednisone usage includes loss of hair coat and thinning of the dog's skin. The hair coat may also lose its luster. Dogs who are on prednisone may even become prone to skin infections that are difficult to heal.

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

Prednisone Withdrawal in Dogs

Prednisone has positive as well as negative effects. Thus, one must keep an eye on negative signs that the dog may be exhibiting. Long-term use of this drug definitely poses certain health risks. Prolonged use of this drug can affect the body's ability to produce natural corticosteroids thereby increasing the likelihood of drug dependence. If the treatment is ended abruptly, the dog may suffer from withdrawal symptoms. Sudden stoppage or abrupt withdrawal could have serious repercussions on the dog's health. Since prednisone intake decreases the production of cortisol, which is a natural steroid produced by the adrenal gland, sudden prednisone withdrawal can result in a deficiency of cortisol in the dog's body. Malaise, weakness, fatigue, vomiting, behavioral changes, loss of appetite or difficulty in breathing are some of the prednisone withdrawal symptoms that the dog owners must watch out for. Such abnormal symptoms should be immediately reported to the veterinarian. The doses should be gradually reduced under the supervision of a veterinarian to prevent these symptoms from arising.

Though the numerous health benefits of prednisone make a very useful drug, one cannot ignore prednisone side effects in dogs. If you have been administering this drug to your pet, it is your responsibility to keep a watchful eye and pay heed to your pet's behavior. Canines exhibiting the aforementioned symptoms should be taken to a vet immediately. Taking your dog for regular checkups 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 can be their best friends too!