Involuntary defecation after Prednisone in dogs

27 reports to the FDA describe involuntary defecation in dogs given Prednisone. That is 0.3% 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.

27Reports

67%Marked serious

22%Recovered

26%Died or euthanised

18 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

9 33%

1–2 days

0 0.0%

3–7 days

2 7.4%

1–4 weeks

6 22%

Over a month

10 37%

How the animals did

Recovered

6 22%

Still unwell when reported

10 37%

Died

6 22%

Euthanised

1 3.7%

Not known

4 15%

Problems reported at the same time

11 41%

9 33%

9 33%

9 33%

7 26%

7 26%

7 26%

6 22%

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 involuntary defecation in dogs?: 27 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 18 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).

Involuntary defecation with similar medicines

Involuntary defecation after Dexamethasone 22 reports · 0.8% of its reports

All reported side effects of Prednisone in dogs · Medicines most reported with involuntary defecation