Skip to main content

Prednisolone

Prednisolone is a medication that can be used to treat various diseases in dogs. It belongs to the so-called corticosteroids or cortisones, which have an anti-inflammatory and immune-suppressing effect. Prednisolone can help with allergies, skin problems, autoimmune diseases, cancer or shock conditions. But how exactly does prednisolone work and what advantages and disadvantages does it have for your dog? In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about prednisolone for dogs.

How does prednisolone work?

Prednisolone is a synthetic hormone that is similar to the body's own hormone cortisol. Cortisol is produced in the adrenal cortex and has many important functions in the body. It regulates metabolism, blood pressure, blood sugar levels and the immune system. When the body is under stress, it releases more cortisol to adapt to the situation.

Prednisolone mimics the effect of cortisol and intervenes in many metabolic processes. It inhibits the formation of inflammatory messengers and suppresses the activity of immune cells. This reduces inflammation and alleviates pain. Prednisolone can also reduce the release of histamine, which helps with allergic reactions. Prednisolone can also inhibit the growth of cancer cells or promote their death.

Prednisolone is usually administered as a tablet, but can also be used as an injection or ointment. The dosage depends on the severity and type of disease and must be individually adjusted by the vet. Prednisolone should not be discontinued abruptly, but slowly phased out to avoid side effects.

What are the benefits of prednisolone?

Prednisolone can provide fast and effective relief for many diseases in dogs. It can improve your dog's quality of life and well-being and in some cases can even be life-saving. Prednisolone is a well-researched drug that has been used in veterinary medicine for many years. It is relatively inexpensive and readily available.

What are the disadvantages of prednisolone?

Prednisolone is not a harmless drug and can lead to various side effects with prolonged or high use. The most common side effects are

  • Increased thirst and hunger
  • Weight gain
  • Muscle atrophy
  • Hair loss
  • Thin skin
  • Gastrointestinal problems
  • Diabetes
  • Susceptibility to infections
  • Behavioral changes
  • Cushing's syndrome (overproduction of cortisol)

Side effects can vary in severity depending on the dog and can be partially reversible when the medication is discontinued. However, some side effects can also be permanent or lead to serious secondary diseases. Therefore, prednisolone should only be administered under veterinary supervision and should be monitored regularly.

Prednisolone can also interact with other medications or food supplements and strengthen or weaken their effect. You should therefore always inform your vet if you give your dog anything else.

Prednisolone is not suitable for every dog. It should not be used in:

  • Pregnant or lactating bitches
  • puppies
  • Dogs with liver, kidney, heart, gastrointestinal or blood clotting disorders
  • Dogs with infections (especially fungal, bacterial or viral infections)
Learn even more about Prednisolone

The authors assume that a veterinarian should be consulted if an animal is ill and that medication should only be taken after consultation with a doctor or pharmacist. Only an individual examination can lead to a diagnosis and treatment decision.

We help you find the nearest vet → This way