Neurogenic keratoconjunctivitis sicca (kcs) after Prednisone in dogs

22 reports to the FDA describe neurogenic keratoconjunctivitis sicca (kcs) in dogs given Prednisone. That is 0.2% 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.

22Reports

82%Marked serious

9.1%Recovered

9.1%Died or euthanised

3 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

6 33%

1–2 days

2 11%

3–7 days

3 17%

1–4 weeks

5 28%

Over a month

2 11%

How the animals did

Recovered

1 4.5%

Recovered with lasting effects

1 4.5%

Still unwell when reported

11 50%

Euthanised

2 9.1%

Not known

7 32%

Problems reported at the same time

Corneal ulcer

18 82%

Ocular discharge

15 68%

Eye disorder (for photophobia see 'neurological')

12 55%

Blepharospasm

9 41%

Eye or vision problems

9 41%

Schirmer tear test

8 36%

Abnormal schirmer tear test

8 36%

Squinting

6 27%

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 neurogenic keratoconjunctivitis sicca (kcs) in dogs?: 22 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 3 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 neurogenic keratoconjunctivitis sicca (kcs)