Decreased packed cell volume (pcv) after Prednisone in dogs

133 reports to the FDA describe decreased packed cell volume (pcv) in dogs given Prednisone. That is 1.5% 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.

133Reports

83%Marked serious

5.3%Recovered

38%Died or euthanised

14 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

9 9.2%

1–2 days

9 9.2%

3–7 days

18 18%

1–4 weeks

24 24%

Over a month

38 39%

How the animals did

Recovered

6 4.5%

Recovered with lasting effects

1 0.8%

Still unwell when reported

47 35%

Died

11 8.3%

Euthanised

39 29%

Not known

29 22%

Problems reported at the same time

77 58%

68 51%

52 39%

49 37%

45 34%

37 28%

34 26%

Decreased red blood cell count

33 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 decreased packed cell volume (pcv) in dogs?: 133 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 14 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).

Decreased packed cell volume (pcv) with similar medicines

Decreased packed cell volume (pcv) after Dexamethasone 77 reports · 2.8% of its reports

All reported side effects of Prednisone in dogs · Medicines most reported with decreased packed cell volume (pcv)