Enlarged lymph nodes (generalised) after Prednisone in dogs

29 reports to the FDA describe enlarged lymph nodes (generalised) in dogs given Prednisone. That is 0.3% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.0% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

29Reports

97%Marked serious

0.0%Recovered

52%Died or euthanised

65 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

1 5.0%

1–2 days

1 5.0%

3–7 days

3 15%

1–4 weeks

3 15%

Over a month

12 60%

How the animals did

Still unwell when reported

11 38%

Died

4 14%

Euthanised

11 38%

Not known

3 10%

Problems reported at the same time

15 52%

10 34%

8 28%

8 28%

7 24%

Abnormal radiograph finding

7 24%

Blood problems

7 24%

Liver problems

7 24%

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 enlarged lymph nodes (generalised) in dogs?: 29 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 65 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 enlarged lymph nodes (generalised)