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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Of infections (especially with long-term use)Hair thinning or loss (alopecia)Weight gain (because they are hungrier, owners often overfeed)Bloodwork changes (e.g., elevated alkaline phosphatase, ALKP, or elevated cholesterol)Iatrogenic Cushing’s disease – Cushing’s disease is an overproduction of steroids by either a pituitary tumor or the adrenal gland. It causes a classic potbelly appearance; these dogs drink, urinate, eat a ton, pant a lot, have skin changes and infections, and are prone to infections. Suppose a pet receives steroids exogenously (oral prednisone, topically, or injectable) for long periods. In that case, it can develop this Cushing’s disease even without the tumors.Contraindications to Steroid UseContraindications to steroid use includeCurrent use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain medication drugs (NSAIDs)Diagnosed heart diseaseCertain medications and pre-existing conditions, like endocrine disordersThose with active fungal and some viral or bacterial infections (such as a urinary tract infection)Hypersensitivity (allergy/adverse reactions) to it or abnormal reactions (behavioral changes)Cannot tolerate side effects of prednisoneAdditionally, caution must be used in pets with diabetes, respiratory disease, cataracts, kidney disease, and even high blood pressure.Always ensure any veterinarian you see, especially if not your regular vet, knows all medications your pet is receiving.No NSAIDs and Steroids togetherThis is very important and warrants repeating. NSAIDs and Steroids cannot be used concurrently, and NSAIDs like Deramaxx®, Rimadyl®, Onsior®, and others cannot be used simultaneously with steroids in dogs.While physicians may commonly prescribe steroids and NSAIDs together in people, this is a no-no in dogs. Sadly, emergency veterinarians see complications because veterinarians still prescribe them together, which results in drug interactions.Dogs and cats are highly susceptible to the adverse reactions of GI ill effects of steroids (diarrhea, vomiting, ulceration, and even GI rupture).A washout period (ideally 7-14 days) should be used when shifting from one drug to another (NSAID to steroid vs. steroid to NSAID) to avoid drug interactions. While sometimes we have to switch more rapidly than that, we must then take precautions to protect the GI tract from ulceration, bleeding, and more.If your dog has been on a prescription NSAID for pain management, even if you give it as needed, make sure your vet knows/remembers.Suppose you have given your dog aspirin (which is not recommended, a topic for another day). In that case, you must also tell them you gave aspirin. Aspirin combined with a steroid is even more dangerous than a dog-specific NSAID.Steroids Pros and ConsSteroids, like prednisone, have their place in veterinary medicine. Prednisone for dogs can be safe when used for the appropriate conditions and when monitored closely.Being properly informed about how to administer the dog prednisone, recognizing it cannot be abruptly stopped and must be weaned, and knowing what side effects to expect, help prepare you for steroid use in your dog.
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