Prednisone and NSAIDs are common medications that are used to treat pain and inflammation. Although both types of drug are safe for use in pets when administered correctly, combining them can cause dangerous side effects and should always be avoided.
About Prednisone
- Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid drug that acts as an anti-inflammatory
- It is prescribed to manage inflammation in a wide range of conditions in both cats and dogs
- Prednisone can be very effective for managing and treating medical conditions including allergies, autoimmune diseases, and some types of cancer
- The drug mimics the activity of cortisol (sometimes known as the “stress hormone”), a naturally occurring steroid hormone that helps the body respond to stress
- It is useful for suppressing immune responses that can lead to a variety of medical conditions
Prednisone Side Effects
Typically, pets are prescribed relatively high doses of prednisone on a short-term basis. This allows for fast, aggressive treatment of health issues while minimizing the risk of side effects.
Although short-term use of prednisone is generally considered safe, some animals are susceptible to potential side effects. Please take your pet to the veterinarian for a checkup if you notice any of the following side effects associated with short-term prednisone use.
- Increased thirst
- Increased appetite
- Increased urination
- Panting
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend that your pet is maintained on low dosages of prednisone for longer periods of time. This increases the risk of side effects, and it will be necessary for your veterinarian to monitor your pet’s health throughout the treatment process. Consult with your veterinarian immediately if your pet displays any of the following symptoms when receiving long-term prednisone therapy.
- Infections
- Hair loss
- Weight gain
- Diarrhea
- Distended stomach
- Aggression or other behavioral changes
About NSAIDs
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used in both humans and animals to relieve pain, inflammation, and fever
- NSAIDs may also be used to manage short-term pain in cats and dogs
- They work by reducing the production of chemicals called prostaglandins which promote pain, inflammation, and fever when an animal is injured
NSAIDs for Dogs
- Dogs are able to metabolize NSAIDs more effectively than cats, and usually, exhibit fewer side effects
- NSAIDs can be prescribed for long-term and short-term use in dogs
- They are commonly prescribed to treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis
- Some of the most commonly prescribed NSAIDs for dogs include carprofen, firocoxib, deracoxib, meloxicam, and robenacoxib
NSAIDs for Cats
- Many veterinarians avoid prescribing NSAIDs to treat chronic pain in cats because of the risk of undesirable side effects
- NSAIDs such as robenacoxib are usually prescribed for short-term use to manage acute pain in cats
NSAIDs Side Effects
Although NSAIDs are usually safe and effective when properly administered, there are several potential side effects you should be aware of. The following are some of the most common side effects associated with NSAID use in pets.
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Behavioral changes
- Skin irritation
- Decreased activity
In rare cases, NSAIDs have been associated with serious side effects such as gastrointestinal ulcers, liver toxicity, and kidney damage. For this reason, it is important to consult with your veterinarian immediately if your pet displays any of the above symptoms when taking NSAIDs.
Prednisone and NSAIDs Interaction
Corticosteroids (such as prednisone) and NSAIDs are two classes of drugs that can be very useful for treating pain and inflammation in pets. But it is important to remember that these medications should always be given separately.
Combining prednisone (or other corticosteroids) with NSAIDs puts your pet at risk of developing serious health problems including gastrointestinal bleeding and perforation. In addition, the combination of these powerful drugs can cause the symptoms of certain conditions such as intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) to worsen.
If your pet has been prescribed prednisone or NSAIDs, it is very important to consult with your veterinarian before giving other medication. This is the best way to avoid the serious and potentially life-threatening consequences of combining these drugs. Even over-the-counter NSAIDs like aspirin can be very dangerous to pets when combined with corticosteroids such as prednisone.
Please contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet displays any adverse side effects when taking prednisone or NSAIDs.
