Prednisone is a powerful corticosteroid medication that's prescribed to treat an array of illnesses and conditions. A dog on steroid therapy may experience a wide array of effects from the medication, so it's important that pet owners are well-versed on the many potential prednisone side effects in dogs.
The side effects and their severity are determined by several factors, including the dog's sensitivity to the medication, the duration of the steroid therapy and the dosage. If your dog experiences adverse effects from this medication, consult your veterinarian. Do not discontinue prednisone unless directed to do so by your vet. Gradual dose tapering is required; otherwise your dog may experience potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
Why are Steroids Prescribed to Dogs?
Prednisone is prescribed for use in the short term and it's also used on a long term basis. A veterinarian may put a dog on steroids for a short period of time to treat inflammation associated with injuries, allergies and asthma. A brief course of this medication may be used to treat a dog's skin problems too.
A veterinarian may prescribe a relatively high dose of prednisone to a dog with an autoimmune disorder like Rheumatoid Arthritis or Lupus, as it suppresses the immune system and the drug serves to decrease the inflammation that's associated with these diseases. Similarly, corticosteroids are often prescribed to treat chronic diarrhea that may result from conditions like Crohn's Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease and forms of Protein-Losing Enteropathy (PLE.) Canine Addison's Disease patients also take steroids on a daily basis to treat corticosteroid deficiency.
Canine Behavioral Changes and Prednisone
A pet's behavior may change while taking prednisone. Side effects can include increased aggression and a more "high strung" attitude. Dogs may also experience increased anxiety, fear and restlessness.
In some dogs, steroids will amplify various behaviors and emotions. So a pet who experiences occasional, mild anxiety may exhibit very pronounced and severe anxiety while taking this drug.
Cushing's Disease, Eye Problems and Diabetes Due to Prednisone
Diabetes, Cushing's Disease and eye problems like cataracts and glaucoma can result from long term steroid use in dogs. This powerful medication can affect the body's production of insulin (resulting in diabetes mellitus) and cortisone (resulting in Cushing's Disease.)
In fact, the symptoms of Cushing's Disease in dogs may mimic the side effects of prednisone, so it's extremely important to consult your veterinarian when abnormalities are observed.
Excessive Hunger, Thirst and Frequent Urination in Dogs
Many dogs experience intense thirst as a prednisone side effect, so it's important to provide the pet with plenty of water. A large dog may drink one or two gallons per day while taking this medication. Increased thirst in dogs is also known as polydipsia. Notably, a dog on steroids for a long period of time may appear to be a bit heavier due to bloating.
As a result of the dog's excessive thirst, you will also observe frequent urination (formally known as polyuria.) It's important to arrange for more frequent bathroom outings. You may also provide puppy pads for use at night and during the day while you're at work.
Increased appetite is also fairly common in dogs on steroid therapy.
Ulcers, Diarrhea and Vomiting Due to Medication
Prednisone's side effects can include vomiting and the formation of stomach ulcers, though feeding the medication with a meal can help to counteract this problem. In addition, some dogs may experience diarrhea.
Consult your veterinarian if you observe any of these symptoms, as over-the-counter medications like Pepto Bismol and Pepcid can be used to treat these side effects.
Prednisone Side Effects -- Hair Loss, Wasting, Coat and Skin Problems
Dogs who are on prednisone for a long period of time are especially prone to muscle wasting. This particular side effect can be counteracted to some degree. Pet owners should provide the pet with daily exercise to maintain muscle tone and the diet can be altered to include more protein.
Another undesirable issue associated with prednisone is hair loss in dogs, especially those who receive a high dose and/or long term steroid therapy. The dog's coat will thin and you may find that the fur can be pulled out with very little force.
Prednisone's side effects also impact the dog's skin, which will thin, resulting in visible blood vessels just below the skin's surface. The skin may also appear a bit dry and this can also affect the dog's coat, causing it to appear dull.
Skin and Staph Infections Due to Prednisone
Infection is among the most problematic side effects, particularly in dogs who are on steroids for a long period of time and dogs who receive high doses of the medication. Skin infections, particularly staph infections, can be a chronic problem for these canine patients. Some wounds may be difficult to heal and pus-filled blisters may arise without an apparent cause.
In addition to cleaning the dog's wounds on a daily basis, owners must consult a veterinarian because oral antibiotics will be required to treat the infections.
To learn more about staph infections in dogs, read "Dog Staph Infection Remedies and Topical Treatments for Skin Infections,"
Dog owners may also wish to read "Dog Skin Problems -- Antibiotic Treatment for Staph Infections in Dogs."
Prednisone is a powerful medication and it's associated with many different side effects. Always consult a veterinarian if any of the aforementioned issues are observed, as a dosage change may be required. In other cases, the vet may opt to prescribe an additional medication to treat the adverse effects in cases where there is no alternative medication available.
Read "How to Treat Prednisone Side Effects in Dogs on Steroid Therapy" for additional tips on managing the issues associated with this medication.
Source:
- Merz Sterapred Medication Insert, 2011.
Mia Carter - Mia Carter - Journalist, Producer/Editor & Web Writer. Carter's work has appeared on CBS and CNN.com.
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