Swelling after Prednisone in dogs

The FDA has received 826 reports of swelling in dogs after Prednisone. That is 9.2% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 2.8% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

826Reports
60%Marked serious
17%Recovered
14%Died or euthanised
9 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
181 26%
1–2 days
80 11%
3–7 days
78 11%
1–4 weeks
172 24%
Over a month
193 27%

How the animals did

Recovered
135 16%
Recovered with lasting effects
4 0.5%
Still unwell when reported
376 46%
Died
44 5.3%
Euthanised
72 8.7%
Not known
195 24%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
29
1–3 years
239
4–7 years
281
8–11 years
212
12+ years
58

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 swelling in dogs?
826 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 9 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).

Swelling with similar medicines

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