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Prednisone for Pets: Dosage & General Information

Prednisone

Updated on September 10, 2024

Corticosteroid that is used to help reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.

Prednisone

Summary

Used For:

A variety of conditions, including but not limited to Addisons, inflammation, autoimmune disease, cancer, and more.

Brands: Prednis-Tab®, Millipred®, Temaril-P®, Solu-Delta-Cortef®

Species: Dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, reptiles, horses, cattle, llamas, and birds.

Other names: Prednisone/Prednisolone

Drug type: Immuno-suppressive

Prescription required: Yes

Pregnancy and lactation: Not recommended for use in pregnant or lactating animals.

Side effects:

With short term use the most common side effects are increased appetite, drinking, and urination. Longterm use can have serious side effects that must be considered before treatment is started. Your veterinarian will advise on what steps need to be taken to monitor your pet's health during treatment. Your veterinarian may have you monitor weight, appetite, and check for signs of serious side effects such as swelling. Bloodwork, urinalysis, blood glucose test, or ACTH stimulation tests may also be recommended by your veterinarian during this treatment.

General description

Prednisone is a corticosteroid that acts on nearly every cell in the body. Prednisone is commonly used in veterinary medicine to treat inflammatory conditions, autoimmune disease, cancer, and adrenal insufficiency. While many medications are often administered for ‘off-label’ or 'extra-label' use in veterinary medicine, it is important to know that off- or extra- label use of a medication can only be done by a veterinarian when there are no other more appropriate medications for a particular pet's circumstances. Your veterinarian must also know all vitamins, supplements, medications etc. your pet is taking to help avoid complications. You must also be sure to follow all instructions provided by your vet carefully and consult your veterinarian with any questions or concerns if they arise. [Buy Prednisone now on Petco.](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/brand/prednisone) A prescription from your veterinarian is necessary for purchase.

Uses

Corticosteroids may be used to treat health concerns such as: adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease), inflammation, autoimmune diseases, anemia, atopy/allergies, asthma, and cancer.

How it works

Corticosteroids work by imitating the properties of cortisol, which is a naturally occurring hormone produced in the body. Corticosteroids block the production of substances that trigger inflammatory and immune responses.

Dosage

*Information provided below outlines what a typical dose might look like. Always consult your veterinarian on the appropriate dose for your specific animal when using any vitamin, supplement, off-label or prescription products. Some vets may prescribe outside of these ranges based on specific needs of the patient. Dosage varies widely and is dependent upon the specific disease being treated. When using corticosteroids for longer than a few days, the dosage must be tapered. **Dogs:** ranges from 0.1 – 2.2 milligrams per kilogram orally per day. **Cats:** ranges from 0.5 – 4.4 milligrams per kilogram orally per day. **Rabbits, rodents, and small mammals:** 0.5 – 2 milligrams per kilogram orally per day.

Forms

5 milligram, 10 milligram, 15 milligram, 20 milligram, and 30 milligram tablets. Various concentrations of prednisone and prednisolone oral syrup. 100 milligram and 500 milligram per 10 milliliter vials for injection.

Storage information & handling

Tablets: Store at room temperature in a tight, light resistant, childproof container; Liquids should be stored as outlined on the label.

What results can I expect?

Results are dependent upon the specific disease being treated.

Missed Dosage

It is best to give the medication at the same time every day without skipping doses. If you miss a dose, give it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give 2 doses at the same time.

Overdose / acute toxicity

Acute overdoses of corticosteroids could cause severe gastrointestinal signs. Chronic overdoses can cause Cushing’s disease or diabetes mellitus. If you think your pet has experienced an overdose, seek veterinarian care immediately.

Side effects

More significant signs are usually associated with long-term and/or high dose therapy, but short courses can also cause side effects. * Increased appetite (common) * Increased thirst (common) * Increased volume and frequency of urination (common) * Weight gain * Vomiting * Diarrhea * Elevated liver enzymes * Panting * Muscle wasting * Hypercoagulability * Behavior changes * Diabetes mellitus * Dull/dry hair coat

Contraindications

* Previous sensitivity/allergy * Fungal, bacterial or viral infections * Mange * Stomach ulcers * Cushing’s disease * Heart/Vascular Disease/High blood pressure/Congestive heart failure * Kidney disease * Corneal ulcers *Diabetes *Osteoporosis *Cataracts *Extreme caution should be used in young, pregnant or lactating animals. *Do not discontinue use of this product abruptly *Do not use in pets that will undergo allergy testing within 4 weeks *Do not use in horses, cats or pets with liver dysfunction (consult with your vet to see if prednisolone may be a more appropriate alternative as these pets cannot efficiently convert prednisone to prednisolone)

Drug interactions

Consult your veterinarian before using prednisone with any other medications, even vitamins and supplements. Medications such as: Amphotericin B, anticholinesterase agents, aspirin, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, digoxin, diuretics (furosemide, thiazides), ephedrine, estrogens, insulin, ketoconazole, mitotane, NSAIDs (carprofen, deracoxib, meloxicam, etc.), phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, and vaccines may interact with corticosteroids.

Precaution

Prednisone should not be used during pregnancy or lactation. Mild side effects are commonly seen. Caution must be exercised when administering this medication with other medications or supplements, as well as with other concurrent diseases.

Laboratory considerations

Prednisone and prednisolone can increase serum cholesterol and urine glucose levels and decrease serum potassium levels. Reductions in T3 & T4 (thyroid) values can occur due to suppression of some thyroid hormones. Reactions to allergen intradermal skin tests can be falsely negative without a four week withdrawal of medication prior to testing.

Related Questions

My dog I heated uses tampon is it an emergency

Unfortunately I'm having a little trouble understand your question as I'm not sure what you mean by "My dog I heated uses tampons..." I'm wondering if Bella ate a tampon or if you wanted to use one on her while she is in heat. I will answer both to be safe. If she ate a tampon, then yes this is a medical emergency and she has to see a vet now. Tampons can easily cause obstructions in the GI tract, especially since they are absorbent and can get large in the stomach from liquid in there. if Bella ate a tampon, you need to take her into a vet immediately to get it removed. If she is on heat, no you cannot use a tampon to control her bleeding. It's not safe to use at all, and are not meant for dogs. You can put a diaper on her to catch any bloody discharge. There are dog specific diapers online and at pets stores, or you can use one made of a human child. Just cut a hole in it for her tail. Hopefully this answers your question. If it doesn't, I'm sorry and ask you post again in the forum for free to it can get answered!

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I'm glad to see that Pippin has been neutered because this eliminates that possibility of hormone-fueled behavioral changes and aggression. Behavioral changes in cats can occur at any point in time, and could be related to anxiety or stressful situations (even rearranging furniture or introducing new people to the home can be stressful to cats). Without a lot more information and observing Pippin's behaviors, I can't precisely tell you why these changes are occurring. It may be best to consult a veterinary behaviorist in your home so that they can observe everything firsthand. You can also try using calming pheromone collars or diffusers (Feliway is one example), and discussing the use of anxiety medication with Pippin's vet. I hope that all goes well!

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Cats can develop what's called diabetic neuropathy, where their hindlegs become progressively weak. The best thing to do is try to get his diabetes under control as quickly as possible. Here is a link describing the conditon: http://www.diabeticcatcare.com/DCCCOK/Neuropathy.htm

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Is there a reason you want to stop the prednisone? I would recommend not stopping it and if you feel it is better to stop the prednisone then I would recommend weaning off of the prednisone. I would discuss how to wean the prednisone with your veterinarian. Thank you for using Boop by Petco.

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Disclaimer

The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.