Abnormal cytology after Prednisone in dogs

149 reports to the FDA describe abnormal cytology in dogs given Prednisone. That is 1.7% 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.

149Reports

70%Marked serious

4.0%Recovered

24%Died or euthanised

22 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

15 13%

1–2 days

12 10%

3–7 days

10 8.4%

1–4 weeks

32 27%

Over a month

50 42%

How the animals did

Recovered

5 3.4%

Recovered with lasting effects

1 0.7%

Still unwell when reported

74 50%

Died

8 5.4%

Euthanised

28 19%

Not known

33 22%

Problems reported at the same time

Loss of appetite

45 30%

Lethargy

44 30%

Swelling

43 29%

Injection site reaction

38 26%

Death

36 24%

Liver problems

35 23%

Didn't work as expected

34 23%

Itching

27 18%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

About this medicine

Prednisone reduces inflammation and immune activity.

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

Questions owners ask

Can Prednisone cause abnormal cytology in dogs?: 149 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 22 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 Dexamethasone 46 reports · 1.7% of its reports
Abnormal cytology after Prednisolone 30 reports · 2.5% of its reports

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