Long term use of Prednisone in family pets

by kphev Pets

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One of the a lot more frequently prescribed drugs in veterinary medicine is the drug Prednisone. The a lot of common use of this medication is as an anti-inflammatory agent used in a large variety of  chronic diseases, including:

Inflammatory bowel disease

Skin/ear allergies

Respiratory disease

Asthma

Neurologic disorders

Prednisone has also been used as an immune suppressive agent in immune mediated disorders of the body, as well as part of lots of chemotherapy protocols.

How long can my pet dog or cat stay on Prednisone?

When used appropriately, short-term use of Prednisone does not have a lot of side effects in animals; however, when used long- term, there are boosted risks of toxicity and side effects.

What are the side-effects of Prednisone in dogs and cats?

Common side effects include boosted thirst/urination, appetite and respiratory rate, as well as changes in behavior from lethargy to hyperexcitability. Secondary organ problems of the pancreas (including diabetes and pancreatitis), liver and adrenal glands may occur as well as thinning of the bone and skin. In addition, secondary viral and/or bacterial infections in any organ system may occur, especially of the urinary tract and skin. In some sensitive pets, gastrointestinal erosion and ulceration may occur, leading to bleeding and possibly anemia.

Whenever a pet is on long-term Prednisone, it is always worthwhile asking about other alternative drugs, including other anti-inflammatory agents, including antihistamines, as well as other immune suppressive agents such as cyclosporine. Herbal remedies such as licorice may also be helpful in some cases.

Most pets, however, can be maintained on chronic low-dose alternate day Prednisone therapy for a long time, as long as periodic veterinary exams and labwork are done to detect any possible side effects.

Have pet health questions? For any medical concerns, we always recommend you seek advice from your veterinarian. However, for non-emergency questions, you can contact Dr. Dym directly using our Ask the Vet form.

Pet Medications