Low platelet count after Prednisone in dogs

153 reports to the FDA describe low platelet count in dogs given Prednisone. That is 1.7% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.2% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

153Reports

93%Marked serious

5.2%Recovered

48%Died or euthanised

17 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

11 9.1%

1–2 days

8 6.6%

3–7 days

22 18%

1–4 weeks

33 27%

Over a month

47 39%

How the animals did

Recovered

7 4.6%

Recovered with lasting effects

1 0.7%

Still unwell when reported

54 35%

Died

31 20%

Euthanised

42 27%

Not known

18 12%

Problems reported at the same time

81 53%

81 53%

74 48%

74 48%

65 42%

52 34%

40 26%

37 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 low platelet count in dogs?: 153 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).

Low platelet count with similar medicines

Low platelet count after Dexamethasone 81 reports · 3.0% of its reports

All reported side effects of Prednisone in dogs · Medicines most reported with low platelet count