Abnormal cytology after Prednisolone in dogs

30 reports to the FDA describe abnormal cytology in dogs given Prednisolone. That is 2.5% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.2% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

30Reports

73%Marked serious

3.3%Recovered

30%Died or euthanised

66 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

2 8.0%

1–2 days

0 0.0%

3–7 days

4 16%

1–4 weeks

2 8.0%

Over a month

17 68%

How the animals did

Recovered

1 3.3%

Still unwell when reported

14 47%

Died

3 10%

Euthanised

6 20%

Not known

6 20%

Problems reported at the same time

Death

9 30%

Diarrhea

9 30%

Fever

8 27%

Skin rash or irritation

7 23%

Loss of appetite

7 23%

Swelling

7 23%

Injection site reaction

7 23%

Itching

7 23%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

About this medicine

Prednisolone reduces inflammation and immune activity.

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

Questions owners ask

Can Prednisolone cause abnormal cytology in dogs?: 30 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 66 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 cytology with similar medicines

Abnormal cytology after Prednisone 149 reports · 1.7% of its reports
Abnormal cytology after Dexamethasone 46 reports · 1.7% of its reports

All reported side effects of Prednisolone in dogs · Medicines most reported with abnormal cytology