Prednisone in dogs is often used in autoimmune diseases and to reduce swelling. Prednisone is a versatile synthetic corticosteroid that is synthesized in the liver and may also be employed in other chronic or emergency conditions.
1. Allergies
Prednisone is an effective anti inflammatory drug that can be used when the dog is experiencing allergic reactions to unknown factors. The treatment is recommended only until the allergen is detected and a more suitable course of treatment is established (i.e. allergy shots or avoiding the allergen).
Prednisone shouldn’t be administered for more than a few weeks, as the dog can develop side effects that may be more serious than the allergies.
2. Asthma
Asthma is a reaction to various irritants in the environment and will manifest through the inflammation of the respiratory ways. Dogs can use prednisone to manage the asthma attacks, which can be triggered by the presence of the allergen or physical effort.
3. Injuries to the Spinal Cord
The injuries to the spinal cord will require special attention and the dog can get prednisone mainly to reduce the inflammation and halt the activity of the immune system until a solution is found.
The drug shouldn’t be administered for longer than a few days.
4. Autoimmune Diseases
Prednisone is a corticosteroid, which will work on suppressing the immune system of the pet. If the pet is affected by an autoimmune disease, the immune system should be controlled, as it reacts negatively to the dog’s own cells and tissues. Prednisone will reduce the activity of the immune system. The drug should be administered continuously, as once it is discontinued, the immune system will restart its destructive activity.
Prednisone is commonly used in lupus, an autoimmune disease that manifest through the swelling of the padding of organs. This is due to the production of inflammatory cells by the immune system. Prednisone acts both as an anti inflammatory medication and an immune system suppressant.
Prednisone may also be used in immune system mediated hemolytic anemia, which is rare in canines.
5. Inflammatory Bowel Disease
The inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a condition that some vets consider as being autoimmune, but there are very few clear things known about IBD.
However, the condition can be controlled with prednisone, as the drug will reduce the inflammation.
6. Organ Transplants
If the dog undergoes an organ transplant, the immune system may react negatively to the foreign body and may reject it, so it is important to suppress the immune system until the new organ is accepted by the body.
7. Kidney Disease
Even if prednisone can attack the kidneys when administered for a longer period of time, the same drug can be used if the dog is affected by kidney disease and the kidneys are inflamed. The dog should be under supervision to see if the drugs have a beneficial effect on the kidneys and won’t advance the kidney damage.
Prednisone is not the first choice treatment for kidney disease.