Posted on 7th Sep 2010 @ 11:52 AM

Drugs can be lifesaving. And drugs can unfortunately take lives. Whether it’s humans or in animals, medication can be appropriately taken to cure or treat an illness or they can be over-prescribed or mis-prescribed.

The corticosteroid, prednisone is one drug in particular that is unfortunately frequently misused in veterinary medicine.

Here is what you need to know about prednisone and the risks and side effects of its usage in dogs.

What is Prednisone?

Prednisone is a synthetic form of the hormone, cortisol. Cortisol plays an important role in regulating the metabolism of macronutrients, like carbohydrates, proteins and fats. In addition, in both humans and pets, it has a strong anti-inflammatory effect and works to suppress an overactive immune system.

Why is it given to dogs?

Prednisone is used to treat a variety of health conditions in dogs. It is often prescribed to dogs who have an autoimmune disorder, joint problems, excessive itching, allergies or renal/kidney conditions.

Prednisone is administered as an injection or in a capsule form.

What are the risks?

Prednisone can have beneficial and short-term results. For instance, it can help a dog who has lost his appetite due to cancer or age, regain it. But prednisone can also cause some very serious and long-term side effects.

Dogs treated with prednisone are more susceptible to infection because the drug acts on the immune system, suppressing its ability to fight off pathogens and viruses. In addition, because of its effects on the adrenal and endocrine systems, dogs often experience excessive hunger or thirst and may even experience an increase of renal symptoms.

When prednisone is used indiscriminately for prolonged periods of time, digestive ulcers, diabetes, muscle degeneration, behavioral changes and inflammation are potential side effects and may also become permanent and chronic health conditions for your dog.

Perhaps the most serious threat of prednisone is the development of Cushings Disease (hyperadrenocorticism) and Addison’s disease. These conditions occur when the drug is taken for too long or in large doses. Both of these diseases can be fatal.

What should you do?

Steroids are never a cure; they are simply a way to alleviate symptoms and provide temporary relief to a health condition. They are best used to treat a serious condition and should only be used for a finite amount of time, usually 10 days.

If your veterinarian prescribed prednisone to your dog, it is important to discuss with him the health concerns associated with the drug. Give serious thought to its potential for side effects and risks and weigh these factors out with your dog’s doctor.

Also, ask your Vet about other treatment options or investigate alternative treatment forms on your own. While these other options may take longer to alleviate symptoms or may require a change in diet, activity level or environmental factors, they are most likely much safer and will work in support of your dog’s health, not against it.

If you are interested in learning more about alternative products to prednisone, read about the benefits of K9 AllerG, K9 Critical Care and K9 Daily Care.