Electrolyte disorder after Prednisone in dogs

54 reports to the FDA describe electrolyte disorder in dogs given Prednisone. That is 0.6% 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.

54Reports

63%Marked serious

7.4%Recovered

11%Died or euthanised

24 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

4 13%

1–2 days

2 6.5%

3–7 days

2 6.5%

1–4 weeks

10 32%

Over a month

13 42%

How the animals did

Recovered

3 5.6%

Recovered with lasting effects

1 1.9%

Still unwell when reported

21 39%

Died

2 3.7%

Euthanised

4 7.4%

Not known

23 43%

Problems reported at the same time

19 35%

17 31%

14 26%

14 26%

14 26%

13 24%

12 22%

10 19%

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 electrolyte disorder in dogs?: 54 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 24 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).

All reported side effects of Prednisone in dogs · Medicines most reported with electrolyte disorder