Decreased red blood cell count after Prednisone in dogs

The FDA has received 117 reports of decreased red blood cell count in dogs after Prednisone. That is 1.3% 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.

117Reports
79%Marked serious
6.0%Recovered
41%Died or euthanised
23 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
5 5.7%
1–2 days
6 6.8%
3–7 days
20 23%
1–4 weeks
20 23%
Over a month
37 42%

How the animals did

Recovered
5 4.3%
Recovered with lasting effects
2 1.7%
Still unwell when reported
36 31%
Died
16 14%
Euthanised
32 27%
Not known
26 22%

Problems reported at the same time

Loss of appetite
65 56%
Blood problems
60 51%
Liver problems
49 42%
Decreased haemoglobin
48 41%
Death
47 40%
Lethargy
42 36%
Neutrophilia
37 32%
Decreased haematocrit
34 29%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
2
1–3 years
10
4–7 years
50
8–11 years
42
12+ years
11

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 red blood cell count in dogs?
117 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 23 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 red blood cell count with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Prednisone in dogs · Medicines most reported with decreased red blood cell count