Natural Pet Health Blog

Practically all conventional medications have side effects. Some side effects are self limiting and mild but others can be severe. Prednisone is often projected as a wonder drug that is used to treat numerous conditions in dogs.

The drug affects almost all parts of the body and is instrumental in remission of autoimmune diseases in cases where the fundamental cause cannot be treated. It is used as a standalone drug or as a supplementary treatment for conditions like allergies, respiratory disorders, Cushings disease in dogs, Addison’s disease and various types of Cancers.

The downside of prednisone is as alarming as the benefits. One of the side effects of prednisone is that it can cause the same disease that it is meant to cure. A classic example is hyperadrenocorticism in dogs, commonly termed as Cushings disease. It is a glandular disease caused by excessive cortisol in the system. When prednisone is used indiscreetly to supplement deficiencies of corticosteroids, it can potentially lead to iatrogenic (complication resulting from treatment) Cushings disease.

Withdrawing prednisone also needs a large amount of care. The hormone comes under the glucocorticoid class of hormones. Unlike anabolic steroids it does not build the body but it helps in breaking up stored fats, sugars and carbohydrates by acting upon the metabolic processes. Abrupt discontinuation of the drug can cause a metabolic crisis.

Adrenal glands produce these hormones endogenously and it is important to keep the adrenal glands active. If the adrenal glands detect external administration, they can stop natural production. Over time the adrenal glands decrease in size from lack of use and stop production of the hormone completely. Abrupt discontinuation of prednisone can result in a total absence of the hormone making the body incapable for responding to Stress factors.

To keep the adrenal glands active for producing it is extremely important that prednisone be tapered off slowly. The best way to do it is to put the dog on alternate day dose after the condition has been controlled. The interval can later be increased based on the specific condition that it is being used for.

The length of prednisone administration depends upon the dog’s response to the drug and the severity of side effects that it causes. The best way you can help your dog in combating the disease and the side effects of prednisone is by adhering to the prescribed dosage and ensure that discontinuation instructions are followed perfectly.

References:

http://www.petpla...dnisolone/page1.aspx

http://www.wedgew...raphs/prednisone.asp

http://www.transw...cles/drugs/pred.html

http://www.marvis...body_prednisone.html

—–

Pamper Your Dog: 130 Treats for Your Canine Friend - Free Ebook > http://www.remedies...-dog-130-recipes.pdf

Pamper Your Cat: 100 Treats for Your Feline Friend - Free Ebook > http://www.remedies...-cat-100-recipes.pdf

For Guaranteed, Effective, 100% Natural Herbal Remedies for Pets, please visit PetAlive!

Does your pet need a new Collar or Leash? How about a beautiful winter coat or a fashionable outfit? Perfectly Pampered Pets is Pet’s #1 Choice in Fashion and Great Gifts for Your Pampered Pet!

An I.D. Tag can save your pet’s life or bring him home again. Visit Tags For Pets now!

Last 5 posts in Dogs & Puppies

• Taking a Bite Out of Food Borne Illness - May 15th, 2008
• When Their Bark Isn’t Worse Than Their Bite - May 13th, 2008
• Symptoms of liver disease in dogs - May 6th, 2008
• Herbal Skincare for Pets - May 4th, 2008
• Swamp Cancer in dogs - May 3rd, 2008

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!