Canine prednisolone and prednisone for dogs are medications frequently prescribed to treat pain and inflammation associated with injury, illness and surgery. These synthetic steroids are designed to act like the glucocorticoid hormones produced naturally by a dog's adrenal glands. Both drugs help regulate swelling associated with the immune system and affect water and sodium levels. However, there are differences between these strong corticosteroids.
Prednisolone is created when prednisone is metabolized by the liver. Because of this, prednisolone is generally considered easier to absorb than prednisone. Prednisolone is also preferred over prednisone for dogs with liver conditions. Depending on the size of dog and his condition, the required dosage and form of prednisone and prednisolone may also differ. A typical prednisone dosage may be administered in the form of a 1 mg, 5mg, 10 mg, or 20 mg tablet. Prednisolone is commonly available as 5 mg tablets, or as a liquid corticosteroid used in the treatment of eye infections.