Elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (ggt) after Dexamethasone in dogs

The FDA has received 51 reports of elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (ggt) in dogs after Dexamethasone. That is 1.9% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.4% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

51Reports
78%Marked serious
7.8%Recovered
37%Died or euthanised
10 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
13 26%
1–2 days
7 14%
3–7 days
3 6.0%
1–4 weeks
12 24%
Over a month
15 30%

How the animals did

Recovered
4 7.8%
Still unwell when reported
20 39%
Died
7 14%
Euthanised
12 24%
Not known
8 16%

Problems reported at the same time

Liver problems
46 90%
Loss of appetite
25 49%
Lethargy
22 43%
Vomiting
22 43%
Death
19 37%
Kidney problems
19 37%
Leucocytosis
18 35%
Diarrhea
13 25%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
8
1–3 years
9
4–7 years
13
8–11 years
15
12+ years
6

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 elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (ggt) in dogs?
51 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 10 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).

Elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (ggt) with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Dexamethasone in dogs · Medicines most reported with elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (ggt)