Elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (ggt) after Prednisone in dogs

108 reports to the FDA describe elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (ggt) in dogs given Prednisone. That is 1.2% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.4% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

108Reports
75%Marked serious
14%Recovered
32%Died or euthanised
17 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
10 11%
1–2 days
6 6.8%
3–7 days
12 14%
1–4 weeks
24 27%
Over a month
36 41%

How the animals did

Recovered
13 12%
Recovered with lasting effects
2 1.9%
Still unwell when reported
35 32%
Died
7 6.5%
Euthanised
28 26%
Not known
23 21%

Problems reported at the same time

Liver problems
105 97%
Loss of appetite
55 51%
Lethargy
43 40%
Vomiting
40 37%
Death
36 33%
Blood problems
36 33%
Leucocytosis
31 29%
Diarrhea
29 27%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
4
1–3 years
22
4–7 years
30
8–11 years
34
12+ years
17

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 elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (ggt) in dogs?
108 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 17 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).

Elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (ggt) with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Prednisone in dogs · Medicines most reported with elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (ggt)