Prednisone for Dogs & Cats - 5mg (Per Tablet) - [Immune Health]

Prednisone reduces inflammation and is also used to suppress the actions of the immune system. It is used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as lupus or pemphigus, autoimmune hemolytic anemias, asthma and inhalant allergies (atopy), cancers, brain swelling, certain types of colitis, certain kidney diseases, and Addison's disease.

Key Benefits

• Prednisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication that treats inflammation from allergies and more
• Also helps treat auto-immune diseases, and certain types of brain swelling and cancers
• It is used to treat Addison's disease, in which the body does not produce enough corticosteroids
• Oral dosage regimen can be effectively individualized for your pet by your veterinarian

How It Works

Prednisone has an effect on virtually every organ system in the body. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that blocks the production of substances that trigger allergic and inflammatory actions. Prednisone is used to modify the body's immune response. At lower doses it helps to reduce inflammation by decreasing the activity of certain cells and chemicals produced by the body that cause inflammation. At higher doses, it can suppress the immune system by decreasing the number of cells necessary for a proper immune response.

Indications

Prednisone tablets and solutions are indicated in the following conditions:

• Endocrine Disorders
• Rheumatic Disorders
• Collagen Diseases
• Dermatologic Diseases
• Allergic States
• Ophthalmic Diseases
• Respiratory Diseases
• Hematologic Disorders
• Neoplastic Diseases
• Edematous States
• Gastrointestinal Diseases
• Miscellaneous

Dogs and Cats: Prednisone is used for a wide variety of conditions in both dogs and cats. It may be used in emergency situations including, anaphylactic reactions, spinal chord trauma, and many forms of shock. It is used in the management and treatment of immune-mediated disease such as immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, or thrombocytopenia: many CNS disorders: some neoplasia: dermatologic diseases: allergic reactions such as asthma, hives, and itching: inflammatory orthopedic diseases: endocrine disorders including Addison's: respiratory disease with an inflammatory component, inflammatory bowel diseases and many other conditions. Cats may require higher doses than dogs to achieve a clinical response, but they are less likely to develop adverse side effects.

Horses: Prednisone is given systemically to decrease inflammatory and immune responses. For years it was used orally to treat Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and other allergic or immune-mediated disorders. Recent studies show that horses do not absorb oral prednisone, but they do absorb oral prednisolone. Other corticosteroids are preferred for intra-articular use.

Side Effects:

Systemic side effects to corticosteroids are generally dependent on dose and duration of treatment. Short-term use of prednisone is unlikely to cause adverse effects. Adverse effects are more common in animals on immunosuppressive doses. Side effects seen in dogs include polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, poor hair coat, GI disturbance, diarrhea, vomiting, weight gain, GI ulceration, pancreatitis, lipidemia, elevated liver enzymes, diabetes mellitus, muscle wasting, and possible behavioral changes. Polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia may be seen in dogs even on short-term therapy. Although cats are less likely to develop side effects than dogs, occasionally polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, weight gain, GI disturbances, and behavioral changes occur. Corticosteroids can cause or worsen gastric ulcers.

Precautions:

Chronic or inappropriate use of corticosteroids can cause life-threatening hormonal and metabolic changes. Adverse effects due to corticosteroid treatment usually occur with long-term administration of the drug, especially when high doses are used. Alternate day therapy with short-acting preparations is preferred. Animals who have received long-term therapy should be withdrawn slowly by tapering the dosage and prolonging the interval between doses. Corticosteroids suppress the immune response. Animals receiving systemic corticosteroids may be more susceptible to bacterial or viral infections. Systemic corticosteroids can mask signs of infection, such as an elevated temperature. Systemic corticosteroids are contraindicated in patients with systemic fungal infections. (The treatment of Addison's disease may be considered an exception.) Animals in hepatic failure should receive prednisolone rather than prednisone. Corticosteroids should be avoided or used very carefully in young animals both because of immune suppression and the risk of GI ulcers. Corticosteroids have been implicated as a cause of laminitis in horses and ponies. Corticosteroids should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Large doses in early pregnancy may be teratogenic. Corticosteroids can induce labor in cattle and have been used to terminate a pregnancy in dogs.

Cautions:

Without first talking to your veterinarian, don't give your pet any over-the-counter or other prescription medications while giving Prednisone. There are possible side effects, including insomnia, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, and fatigue. Tell your veterinarian if your pet has kidney or liver disease, heart disease, stomach ulcers, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, or any other medical conditions. Keep this medication away from children and pets.

Storage:

Store Prednisone at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.