1-800-738-6337
Welcome
| Dental |  | Ear | | Eye | | Flea & Tick | | Food | | Heartworm | | Joints | | Medications | | Pain | | Skin & Coat | | Supplies | | Vitamins | | Shop by Condition | | NEW | | Pet Education |
Prednisone
48
49
Prednisone
There is not a more widely used as well as widely misunderstood drug used in veterinary medicine than the use of oral prednisone. Since many of the chronic diseases treated in small animal veterinary medicine are often due to an overactive immune system response, whether talking about skin/ear allergies, chronic digestive tract inflammation, chronic respiratory or coughing issues, and even inflammation of the brain and spine, this drug is often prescribed by many veterinarians for these various conditions. It is important for animal guardians to understand that when using a drug like prednisone, we are often treating symptomatically, where we dont know or understand the cause of the chronic problems of these various organ systems in most cases. . In other words we are often quickly bandaiding the symptoms but not often addressing the underlying causes of the problems that often elude even the most intense diagnostic search. . . Except for what are called autoimmune diseases, where the body literally attacks its own tissues, such as the red blood cells or platelets, leading to life threatening blood disorders, or the joints in diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, the use of prednisone can often be curative in those conditions as the immune system is so overactive that the life of the animal can be at risk. However it is important for veterinarians to always look for underlying causes of any of these various disorders, so that cure is more likely, and to avoid the occasional side effects seen when this drug is used long term. When prednisone is overused topically and/or orally, side effects can include excessive thirst/urination/appetite, and panting, as well as a thinning of the skin, and weakening of the bones and ligaments of the body, in addition to predisposing to secondary infections particularly of the urinary tract, as well as in occasional cases of diabetes. If used in high doses or for long periods, digestive tract ulceration and bleeding can also occur. However if prednisone is used in appropriate fashions for the above chronic conditions, where the oral dose is tapered to the lowest effective dose to control clinical signs, hopefully every other or every third day in those chronic incurable conditions, than many dogs can remain on this drug long term. The most important point to understand, however, is that when on this drug long term, periodic blood and urine testing should be monitored to detect any early side effects. And while I try and use other milder drugs and various supplements or antihistamines listed on the 1800petmeds website , in some very severe skin allergies with incessant itching, sometimes low dose prednisone is the only drug that can truly get the itch under control for symptomatic relief for the animals at a reasonable cost, without resorting to very expensive drugs like atopica or trips to veterinary dermatologists which can cost hundreds to even thousands of dollars long term. I certainly prefer low dose infrequent dosing of prednisone to control chronic clinical signs over the long acting cortisone injections that many vets use, which indeed have more significant side effects and risks outlined above. While taking everything above into account, and with adequate monitoring, I give prednisone an overall rating of a 5 with an ease of use of a 5 as well.
08/10/2009
This product is working great
Being that the Prednisone is now the only medication that Chase has to take now since he came down with Autoimmune Disease, it is working great. He no longer has to take the Cyclosporine, and is making his red blood cells now on his own. He is a miracle dog!
05/03/2013
Works very well
Guy is an 18 year old golden retriever/mutt mix with an awesome disposition and loving spirit. Unfortunately he suffered from incessant itching. First we tried all the different flea medications...topical and systemic. He still itched! The vet discovered small tumor like growths and the animal clinic charged me a lot of money to do blood work, xrays, etc($780). She recommended surgery to remove the growths (said they were histamine filled sacks) at a cost of over $1000 dollars. We did not do the surgery so the vet had us try OTC antihistamines and benadryl. Then his hair fell out in chunks (could have made a blanket with the sweeping each morning). Then tried some other prescription antihistamine that cost $80 per month....it worked but couldn't afford that. Finally tried 10 mg prednisone each morning and got great relief....no more itching or hair loss!! We understand the risks of long term use but he is a happy, old dog, lovin' life! Along with the prednisone we continue to use topical flea control medications to make sure fleas are not contributing to his itching. Again, the animal clinic (VCA) tried to charge me $2.00 for each 20 mg tablet this last visit and I got it for 29 cents a tablet from petmeds. Thank you petmeds! I only wish I didn't have to go to the vet each year to renew ($49 visit).
04/22/2013
Retreiver with IBD
My dog 60 lb was diagnosed 1 year ago with IBD (inflammatory Bowel Disease) If it wasn't for prednisone I don't know what we would do !!! This is a auto immune disease that can only be controlled..never cured..when first diagnosed via endoscopy, the specialist had him taking 20 mg per day he is also on a hypoallergenic hydrolized protein diet.. we finally tapered the pred down to ZERO..but soon after he had another "episode", and back on it he went....1 year and 2 months later I think we have it controlled, he is currently down to 7.5 mg per day...There is nothing wrong with giving this medication to your animal as long as you have regular Vet check ups and blood work done twice a year and give the LOWEST dose possible for control ;)
03/04/2013
great price
this site has the exact meds i wanted for 1/2 of what my vet charges so i tried to get him to approve the order....he did approve a 3 day supply and wanted me to come in for 2 more visits..i spent over $500 and the problem did get better but he didnt prescribe enough and now wants more money...customer service here is great and pricing is even better...i just wish i could have become a customer
01/30/2013
118 Questions · 164 Answers Ask & Answer.Talk to other pet lovers about this product.
my dog Penny has Addisons Disease and is on pednisone 1mg at 1/4 tab daily can you give her it every other day the vet said ok but other owners that have the same thing said no its like someone one insulin they need it daily any thoughts I want her off meds if possible or less
Th ThT Answers
i have changed my dogs diet to a no red food dye foods dry and wet, but he still itches constantly, and parts of his skin is still have a red tone to it, we have used oatmeal baths and strong shampoos, but my poor baby still itches. he is a part lab mix. ty for any help
Answers
Answer:Â It sounds like you have tried several things without getting results. You need to bring your pet toyour veterinarian so he can evaluate the situation. It sounds like he may have an allergy and may need a prescription type medication. Thanks for your question. Answers
Answer:Â your vet should determine this based on severity of condition ,breed and weight of dog
My cat has had a serious bacterial infection on under her skin for the last year. It has been biopsied and blood work done. We finally found an antibiotic bayatril that is clearing it up. My question is the vet also perscribed predisone for the itching I have read this should not be given to the cat when they have any type of skin bacterial infections. Please advise
Answers
Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies. |
Also For Your Pet
 Itching, Bacterial & Allergy:Soothes & Relieves Itch:Dry & Scaly Skin:Eliminate Strong Odors:Super Pure Omega 3, A Beautiful & Healthy Skin and Coat: Click & Learn
  |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
 All
 All
Watch Video:
