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This product may only be purchased with the approval of a veterinarian and may require verification of a prescription before it is shipped. We will collect any necessary information at checkout and verify a prescription if required. An oral anti-inflammatory agent used to treat many inflammatory, auto-immune and allergy conditions plus many other diseases. Prednisone/prednisolone tablets are available through your veterinarian in many concentrations. For use in both dogs and cats.
DIRECTIONS: Read and follow the label carefully. Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed. If given just once daily, dogs usually receive glucocorticoid drugs in the morning, and cats receive it in the evening (this mimics their natural hormone cycles). The prime objective of steroid therapy is to achieve a satisfactory degree of control with a minimum effective dose. Your pet may start at a high dose and then have it reduced. Prednisone/prednisolone may be prescribed for several weeks or even months. Individualization of dosage and duration of treatment will depend upon your pet's reaction to this drug. It is important that the dose be tapered to an every other day schedule once the condition is controlled and the body can start to make its own cortisol again. Do not discontinue the drug abruptly.
Give oral forms with food to reduce the chance of stomach ulcers. Periodic blood work to monitor this drug's effect may be required if your pet is undergoing long- term therapy.
SIDE EFFECTS: Most common side effects are increased thirst, appetite and urination. Your pet may have accidents and need to go outside or use the litter box more frequently. Discuss these side effects with your veterinarian as the dose may be lowered or another steroid could be selected. This medication causes the kidney to conserve salt. This could be a problem in patients with congestive heart failure or other patients who require sodium restriction. May stunt growth if used in young, growing animals. May lower seizure threshold and alter mood and behavior. At high doses, this medication can cause birth defects early in pregnancy, be irritating to the stomach or cause higher than normal blood sugar levels. If your pet has received high doses, it should not be vaccinated without your veterinarian's advice as the vaccine may not work or it may actually give your pet the disease you are trying to prevent. Less common side effects include weight gain, insomnia, panting, diarrhea, vomiting, elevated liver enzymes, pancreatitis and behavior changes. Serious side effects are not expected with routine use. When higher doses are used or if use is chronic (ie. longer than 4 months on an every other day schedule), the side effects and concerns become different. Watch for muscle loss, weakness, and the development of diabetes or Cushing's disease. Typical signs of these diseases are increased thirst, urination, appetite. Cushingoid pets may develop thin skin, poor hair coat and a pot belly. Monitoring tests or changing therapy may be recommended.
CAUTION(S): High doses may lead to immune system suppression, making your pet more susceptible to infections. Contact your veterinarian if your pet has a fever (over 103 F), painful or frequent urination, fatigue, sneezing, coughing or runny eyes. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian. Contact your veterinarian immediately if pet eats more than the prescribed amount. Keep of out the reach of children.
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