Lethargy after Prednisolone in dogs

The FDA has received 242 reports of lethargy in dogs after Prednisolone. That is 20% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 11% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

242Reports
64%Marked serious
17%Recovered
25%Died or euthanised
9 daysTypical onset
SponsoredWorried about your pet? Ask a veterinarian online, 24/7

How soon it started

Same day
37 19%
1–2 days
31 16%
3–7 days
26 14%
1–4 weeks
40 21%
Over a month
58 30%

How the animals did

Recovered
40 17%
Recovered with lasting effects
2 0.8%
Still unwell when reported
97 40%
Died
28 12%
Euthanised
32 13%
Not known
43 18%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
10
1–3 years
53
4–7 years
65
8–11 years
83
12+ years
30

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 lethargy in dogs?
242 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 9 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).

Lethargy with similar medicines

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