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. Although prednisone can be very effective for managing and treating medical conditions including allergies, autoimmune diseases, and some types of cancer, it should be always be used with caution to avoid adverse side effects.
How Prednisone Works
Prednisone 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.
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
Risk Reduction
The best way to protect your pet against the potential side effects of prednisone is to follow your veterinarian’s advice closely and always administer the drug as instructed.
Please be aware that prednisone can interact with other drugs, so it is vital not to mix medications unless expressly instructed to do so by your veterinarian. It’s also very important not to share prednisone with other animals or people, and to store the medication out of reach of pets and children.
Finally, never stop your pet’s medication abruptly. Prednisone is a strong corticosteroid drug, and animals should be tapered off it gradually according to your veterinarian’s instructions. Abruptly stopping treatment can shock an animal’s adrenal glands and may lead to severe and dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
