Weight loss after Dexamethasone in dogs

166 reports to the FDA describe weight loss in dogs given Dexamethasone. That is 6.1% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 1.7% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

166Reports

78%Marked serious

10%Recovered

33%Died or euthanised

5 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

31 23%

1–2 days

22 16%

3–7 days

19 14%

1–4 weeks

25 19%

Over a month

38 28%

How the animals did

Recovered

15 9.0%

Recovered with lasting effects

2 1.2%

Still unwell when reported

69 42%

Died

18 11%

Euthanised

36 22%

Not known

26 16%

Problems reported at the same time

104 63%

93 56%

92 55%

65 39%

54 33%

47 28%

43 26%

35 21%

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 weight loss in dogs?: 166 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).

Weight loss with similar medicines

Weight loss after Prednisone 555 reports · 6.2% of its reports
Weight loss after Prednisolone + Trimeprazine 58 reports · 2.8% of its reports
Weight loss after Prednisolone 80 reports · 6.6% of its reports

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