Abnormal radiograph finding after Dexamethasone in dogs

The FDA has received 163 reports of abnormal radiograph finding in dogs after Dexamethasone. That is 6.0% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.9% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

163Reports
85%Marked serious
6.1%Recovered
51%Died or euthanised
2 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
54 39%
1–2 days
23 16%
3–7 days
19 14%
1–4 weeks
18 13%
Over a month
26 19%

How the animals did

Recovered
8 4.9%
Recovered with lasting effects
2 1.2%
Still unwell when reported
56 34%
Died
36 22%
Euthanised
47 29%
Not known
14 8.6%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
16
1–3 years
41
4–7 years
44
8–11 years
47
12+ years
15

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 dogs?
163 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 2 days 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 dogs · Medicines most reported with abnormal radiograph finding