Corneal ulcer after Prednisone in dogs

63 reports to the FDA describe corneal ulcer in dogs given Prednisone. That is 0.7% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.1% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

63Reports

94%Marked serious

14%Recovered

13%Died or euthanised

3 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

16 36%

1–2 days

5 11%

3–7 days

7 16%

1–4 weeks

9 20%

Over a month

8 18%

How the animals did

Recovered

7 11%

Recovered with lasting effects

2 3.2%

Still unwell when reported

25 40%

Euthanised

8 13%

Not known

21 33%

Problems reported at the same time

25 40%

19 30%

18 29%

18 29%

Neurogenic keratoconjunctivitis sicca (kcs)

18 29%

Loss of appetite

17 27%

Eye disorder (for photophobia see 'neurological')

17 27%

Squinting

16 25%

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 corneal ulcer in dogs?: 63 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 3 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).

Corneal ulcer with similar medicines

Corneal ulcer after Dexamethasone 35 reports · 1.3% of its reports

All reported side effects of Prednisone in dogs · Medicines most reported with corneal ulcer