Leucocytosis after Dexamethasone in dogs

231 reports to the FDA describe leucocytosis in dogs given Dexamethasone. That is 8.5% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 1.0% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

231Reports

86%Marked serious

9.5%Recovered

47%Died or euthanised

5 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

54 26%

1–2 days

34 16%

3–7 days

31 15%

1–4 weeks

44 21%

Over a month

47 22%

How the animals did

Recovered

22 9.5%

Still unwell when reported

78 34%

Died

45 19%

Euthanised

64 28%

Not known

22 9.5%

Problems reported at the same time

134 58%

133 58%

117 51%

110 48%

109 47%

109 47%

108 47%

74 32%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

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 leucocytosis in dogs?: 231 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 5 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).

Leucocytosis with similar medicines

Leucocytosis after Prednisone 389 reports · 4.4% of its reports
Leucocytosis after Prednisolone + Trimeprazine 56 reports · 2.7% of its reports
Leucocytosis after Prednisolone 76 reports · 6.3% of its reports

All reported side effects of Dexamethasone in dogs · Medicines most reported with leucocytosis