Hind limb paresis after Prednisone in dogs

71 reports to the FDA describe hind limb paresis in dogs given Prednisone. That is 0.8% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.3% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

71Reports

87%Marked serious

5.6%Recovered

34%Died or euthanised

12 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

14 25%

1–2 days

8 14%

3–7 days

4 7.1%

1–4 weeks

9 16%

Over a month

21 38%

How the animals did

Recovered

4 5.6%

Still unwell when reported

35 49%

Died

6 8.5%

Euthanised

18 25%

Not known

8 11%

Problems reported at the same time

24 34%

20 28%

16 23%

15 21%

15 21%

Proprioception deficit

14 20%

Vomiting

13 18%

Breathing problems

11 15%

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 hind limb paresis in dogs?: 71 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 12 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 hind limb paresis