Wobbliness (ataxia) after Prednisone in dogs

363 reports to the FDA describe wobbliness (ataxia) in dogs given Prednisone. That is 4.1% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 2.6% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

363Reports

74%Marked serious

19%Recovered

28%Died or euthanised

8 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

64 22%

1–2 days

40 14%

3–7 days

36 13%

1–4 weeks

56 20%

Over a month

90 31%

How the animals did

Recovered

59 16%

Recovered with lasting effects

10 2.8%

Still unwell when reported

124 34%

Died

34 9.4%

Euthanised

67 18%

Not known

69 19%

Problems reported at the same time

114 31%

112 31%

101 28%

78 21%

71 20%

71 20%

71 20%

67 18%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

112

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 wobbliness (ataxia) in dogs?: 363 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 8 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).

Wobbliness (ataxia) with similar medicines

Wobbliness (ataxia) after Dexamethasone 161 reports · 5.9% of its reports
Wobbliness (ataxia) after Prednisolone + Trimeprazine 74 reports · 3.5% of its reports
Wobbliness (ataxia) after Prednisolone 56 reports · 4.6% of its reports

All reported side effects of Prednisone in dogs · Medicines most reported with wobbliness (ataxia)