Abnormal radiograph finding after Dexamethasone in cats

The FDA has received 60 reports of abnormal radiograph finding in cats after Dexamethasone. That is 7.8% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 1.0% across reports for all cat medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

60Reports
88%Marked serious
8.3%Recovered
53%Died or euthanised
1 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
21 42%
1–2 days
8 16%
3–7 days
7 14%
1–4 weeks
9 18%
Over a month
5 10%

How the animals did

Recovered
5 8.3%
Still unwell when reported
17 28%
Died
11 18%
Euthanised
21 35%
Not known
6 10%

Problems reported at the same time

Loss of appetite
32 53%
Death
32 53%
Lethargy
28 47%
Breathing problems
26 43%
Vomiting
18 30%
Swelling
16 27%
Blood problems
14 23%
Kidney problems
14 23%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
5
1–3 years
16
4–7 years
19
8–11 years
8
12+ years
12

About this medicine

Dexamethasone reduces inflammation and immune activity.

Steroids commonly cause increased thirst, urination and appetite, especially at higher doses.

Questions owners ask

Can Dexamethasone cause abnormal radiograph finding in cats?
60 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?
In half of the reports with dates, it started within 1 day of the first dose.
What should I do?
Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Abnormal radiograph finding with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Dexamethasone in cats · Medicines most reported with abnormal radiograph finding