The Use of Prednisone in
Dogs
Article Courtesy of
PetAlive
Dogs have proven their usefulness to humans time and again. In the Stone
Age, they helped man in hunting. In the stressful lives that we lead these
days, dogs help us in relieving stress by providing a fun-filled atmosphere.
But great responsibilities accompany the fun. Taking good care of your
canine pal is not always easy. Reality checks happen in the form of diseases
and the solution is not always as simple as giving medication. Many
medicines that are administered to dogs come with their own set of
complications and side effects.
Prednisone is one drug that is often used for treating autoimmune diseases
in dogs. It is a synthetic inactive corticosteroid that is chemically
converted by the liver into prednisolone, an active steroid. The benefits
of using the drug for treating a number of conditions in humans and animals
have been established over time. The uses that prednisone has been put to
are diverse.
1. Treatment of excessive itching.
2. Alleviation of asthma and other allergies.
3. Managing emergencies like injuries to the spinal chord.
4. Controlling rejections during organ transplants.
5. Treating kidney disorders.
The manner in which this drug works allows it to be extremely versatile. It
suppresses the immune system and therefore can be used to treat auto-immune,
inflammatory and kidney diseases.
But the side effects that it causes are taxing for the most loving pet
owner. Side effects that can be caused even if the drug is used for a
considerably short period of time are
1. Renal disorders.
2. Abnormal thirst levels.
3. Excessive hunger.
4. Insatiable diet.
Side effects that occur only after a considerable period of usage are
1. Ulcers in the digestive tract.
2. Pain and inflammation in pancreas.
3. Diabetes.
4. Degeneration of muscles
5. Unpredictable change in behaviors.
The most dangerous side effect that can appear while administering the drug
is hyperadrenocorticism in dogs. Also known as
Cushing’s disease, this
condition is caused by an overdose of the drug.
Since it is a corticosteroid itself, prednisone obstructs the proper
functioning of the adrenal glands. If the drug is continued for more than a
week it can affect the normal functioning of the adrenal glands permanently.
This results in a dependency on the drug since the body is unable to create
its own natural corticosteroids.
Though prednisone seems like a wonder drug at times, indiscriminate use of
the same can be very dangerous. It can lead to conditions like
Cushing’s
disease in dogs and Addison’s disease, both of which can prove to be fatal.
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