Feeding My Dog 50 Ml Pretizone How Does It Effect Him

Adrienne is a certified dog trainer and former veterinarian assistant who partners with some of the best veterinarians worldwide.

Prednisone is a corticosteroid drug that is frequently used in veterinary medicine to treat several medical conditions in dogs.

How Prednisone for Dogs Works

Prednisone is a corticosteroid drug (just like prednisolone, cortisone, and hydrocortisone) that is frequently used in veterinary medicine to treat several medical conditions in dogs such as allergies, inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and certain types of cancers.

Prednisone is a synthetic drug (made in a laboratory in a form not naturally produced by the body) which works by imitating the effect of natural steroid hormones (corticosteroids) produced by the dog's body. Such hormones are specifically manufactured by the dog's adrenal cortex found in the adrenal glands, which sit on top of the dog's kidneys. The main steroid hormone produced by the dog's adrenal cortex is cortisol, which is known as the "stress hormone."

Cortisol plays a main role in the dog's metabolism and immune system, particularly when the dog undergoes emotional or physical stress. This hormone is known to evoke the fight or flight response seen in dogs when under stress or when dogs feel threatened. Courtesy of cortisol, dogs who are under stress receive a boost of energy that spurs them into action, keeping them safe when they feel in danger or threatened by something.

Cortisol also helps control auto-immune reactions. Auto-immune disorders take place when white blood cells start attacking parts of the body as if they are foreign invaders.

This is why corticosteroids such as prednisone, prednisolone, etc., work great in suppressing inflammatory processes and auto-immune diseases. Once in the body, prednisone imitates the action of cortisol, decreasing the symptoms of inflammatory conditions and suppressing the immune system when it's overreactive.

My dog's script for prednisone.

Prednisone as Palliative Care for Dogs With Cancer

It's unfortunate that cancer remains one of the top causes of death in dogs. Not all cancers are created the same. There are some forms of cancers where aggressive treatment involving surgery and chemo are worthy of being implemented, while there are others where these treatments are not. On top of that, some dogs may be in such an advanced state that they are inoperable and the best option is to institute palliative care.

Palliative care should not be interpreted as "giving up," but rather as an attempt in maintaining a good quality of life for as long as possible. In some cases where there is advanced cancer, palliative care may provide survival times similar to those attained with aggressive treatment.

Palliative care should also not be interpreted as prolonging the inevitable. It is wrong to think of palliative care as a way to drag the dog for more days or weeks when the dog is living in sub-optimal health conditions with a poor quality of life. At a certain point, when the dog's quality of life declines, human euthanasia should be elected so as to not unnecessarily prolong the dog's suffering.

Palliative care in dogs with cancer entails nutritional support to prevent dogs from developing nutritional deficiencies while maintaining a good appetite. Other palliative care includes pain control and other necessary steps to help maintain good physical and emotional well-being. Prednisone for dog cancer may play an important role in providing palliative care.

Advanced-stage cancer in dogs, regardless of the body part affected, will also lead to partial or complete loss of appetite.

Prednisone to Help Increase Appetite in Dogs With Cancer

Dogs with cancer have a tendency to develop what is known as cancer cachexia. Cancer cachexia is a secondary condition arising in dogs with cancer that is characterized by weight loss, loss of appetite, weakness, muscle wasting, and anemia. The loss of appetite in dogs with cancer can be attributed to a variety of factors including mechanical abnormalities and iatrogenic consequences.

Mechanical abnormalities are due to the direct effect of the cancer itself. For instance, in dogs with a mouth or throat tumor, eating may be a painful ordeal. Soon, the dog starts associating the pain with food, and loss of appetite often comes next. Dogs with a very enlarged spleen instead may feel satiated early because the spleen may be pressing on the stomach causing a fake sensation of fullness. Dogs with tumors affecting the digestive tract may be reluctant to eat because of mechanical obstruction, nausea, or pain. Advanced-stage cancer in dogs, regardless of the body part affected, will also lead to partial or complete loss of appetite.

Iatrogenic consequences are consequences that arise from the treatment itself. For instance, dogs may develop a loss of appetite as a side effect of certain drugs used to manage the cancer, or as a result of chemotherapy or radiation which are part of the treatment plan for cancer.

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The loss of appetite in dogs with cancer often starts in a subtle manner. The dog may start acting "picky." He or she may not finish up the meal as fast as before or he or she may require some coaxing. Sometimes this may be initially attributed to the dog "just getting old" and losing some sense of smell.

As cancer progresses, at some point, the dog may start refusing food despite coaxing and trying a variety of different foods. This loss of appetite will lead to weight loss and muscle wasting over time.

The use of prednisone at this point can help make a difference, considering that one of the most common side effects of this drug is an increase in appetite. This increase in appetite is due to this drug's corticosteroid-induced euphoria which promotes appetite.

There are several other options to help increase appetite in dogs with cancer. These options include Maropitant citrate (Cerenia—Zoetis), which on top of helping dogs who are vomiting can also help with nausea, and mirtazapine. Both can be safely used together, points out Dr. Sue Ettinger, a board-certified veterinarian specializing in oncology.

Glucocorticoids are possibly the most commonly used single drug class in veterinary medicine. The fact that they are useful in a wide variety of conditions, cheap, versatile, relatively safe, and can have potent and dramatic effects when used properly ensures they will continue to be popular with veterinarians. It may be this popularity that has led to the statement "no animal should die without the benefit of steroids."

— Alan Chicoine, DVM

For dogs with cancer, prednisone can prove to be beneficial due to this drug's mild pain-relieving effect.

Prednisone to Help Dogs With Cancer

When prednisone is administered in doses that exceed the usual levels found in a dog's body, it reduces inflammation, and in high doses, suppresses the immune system, which can help control inflammatory conditions and auto-immune diseases where the immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues.

For dogs with cancer, prednisone can prove to be beneficial due to this drug's mild pain-relieving effect, especially when inflammation is present. Steroids such as prednisone should not be used together with NSAIDs (non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs.) Dog owners should consult with a vet when considering switching to an NSAID drug, as a wash-out period is necessary.

On top of providing mild pain control, prednisone can help slow down the spread of cancer. Malignant cancer tends to spread from one body part to another, a process known as metastasis. The process is activated by an immune system flare-up where new cells depart to reach distant sites and replicate in an uncontrolled manner. When prednisone is used, this drug prevents the immune system from working properly which slows down the spread and reproduction of cancer cells.

Certain types of cancer may be managed with prednisone. Prednisone in such cases can be used as a chemotherapeutic agent or it may be combined with other stronger chemo agents for the goal of shrinking tumors.

In the case of spleen cancer, prednisone helps stimulate red blood cell production. However, if the spleen keeps destroying new red cells, then the affected dog will keep staying anemic, explains veterinarian Dr. Scott.

In the case of lymphoma, prednisone is helpful because it is capable of killing lymphoma cells. Dog owners who opt not to use chemo may use prednisone as a standalone treatment for lymphoma.

The main thing to be aware of is that prednisone needs to be started only once a diagnosis is made as this drug complicates diagnostics and, on top of that, it can make chemo less effective, points out veterinary oncologist Susan Ettinger in an article on the Dog Cancer Blog.

Other forms of cancer that may benefit from prednisone are mast cell tumors, brain tumors, and nasal tumors.

Dog owners are often concerned about the side effects of prednisone in dogs. Short-term side effects include increased drinking and urination, increased hunger, panting, loss of energy, onset of infections or infections getting worse, nausea or vomiting, and stomach ulcers.

When prednisone is used long-term, such as for more than three to four months at high, immunosuppressive doses, there are further risks for side effects such as urinary tract infections (routine urinalysis is recommended), obesity, predisposition for diabetes, poor skin and coat condition, lowered immunity to infections, and wound healing.

If your dog develops side effects from the use of prednisone, report them to your vet. Your vet may attempt to adjust dosing or may prescribe another type of steroid in hopes of counteracting them.

Prednisone is a treatment for lymphoma. Alone it isn't an ideal treatment, but it can improve the quality of your dog's life over the short term. Steroids like prednisone have some toxic effects towards the cells that are inappropriately multiplying in your dog. This effect doesn't kill all the cancer cells and it won't work forever, but it may make your dog feel better.

— Dr. Shadwick, veterinarian

References

• DVM360: Treating cancer pain in dogs and cats
• DVM360: Extending quality of life in cancer patients
• Dog Cancer Blog: Common Cancer Mistake: Starting Your Dog with Lymphoma on Prednisone Too Soon
• VCA Animal Hospital: Steroid Treatment - Long-Term Effects in Dogs

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author's knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

Questions & Answers

Question: Is prednisone harmful to dogs with kidney failure?

Answer: Prednisone is a steroid and as such has the ability to make a dog's kidney failure worse. I would assume that a vet would be hesitant to put a dog in kidney failure on a drug like prednisone.

Question: Can dogs get severe diarrhea from prednisone?

Answer: Yes, it is possible considering that prednisone can be harsh on a dog's GI tract, and on top of that, it may be allowing secondary infectious agents to take over since it can dampen the immune system. Please consult with your vet for instructions.

Question: My dog is on prednisone and he wants to eat more than usual. Should I be worried about overfeeding my dog while he's taking prednisone?

Answer: Increased hunger in a dog on prednisone is not unusual. Indeed, dogs with terminal cancer may be prescribed prednisone when they start not wanting to eat anymore and this sometimes can give them a few more weeks. I think you should discuss this with your vet also because increased appetite is a side effect and if it's excessive, sometimes vets may decide to make dosage adjustments. Overfeeding, in the long run, can lead to obesity which may put pressure on joints, exacerbate certain conditions and has other negative repercussions.

© 2018 Adrienne Farricelli

Bobbie Clark on June 24, 2020:

My 4 year old Giant Schnoodle has been diagnosed with Lymphoma. Our vet placed him on a 20 day supply of Prednisone and he reacted wonderfully. Now that he's taken his last dose, I'm scared of when his bumps/lumps will come back :-(

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on May 08, 2020:

Hi Bernard, I am glad to hear the prednisone is helping. I would suggest consulting with a veterinary oncologist. When dogs are on pred, we must always consider interactions if we want to try other meds/supplements.

Bernard Prevuznak on May 04, 2020:

My beautiful boy Beau was diagnosed with Leukemia and was given 2 weeks to 2 months to live...I started the prednisone and he is doing well with it. Beau is only 4 years old and it has been heartbreaking...I love him so!...any other suggestions...we are praying for a miracle...and expecting it! Thank you Jesus!

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on October 20, 2019:

Hi Karen, do you mean CBD oil? This is something you should really ask your veterinarian about as when mixing meds and supplements there can always be risks for interactions.

Karen Beal on October 20, 2019:

I would like to know if the PDB oil is ok to give with presdnisone. My beagle had Lymphoma. His 13 years old. He is always hungry. He has lost 3kg. I'm hoping he will put on some weight now. He did go off his food but loving it now. Should I give him this oil. Regards Karen

Kay on October 02, 2019:

Hi Jasmine,

Is your dog still happy? My dog has cancer too, just diagnosed.

She lays around most of the day, I would love to see her more active! She just not herself!

Regards Kay

Jasmine on August 29, 2019:

Hi Adrienne,

Is it safe to use presdnisone and cbd oil? I've read of some amazing stories of dogs with cancer on cbd oil. My dog has been diagnosed with lymphoma and is on prednisone. I wasn't sure if cbd oil would be ok with the steroid?

Thank you!

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on April 19, 2019:

Lucy, this is something that only your vet can suggest. Prednisone is a drug where you need to follow your vet's instructions to a T considering the risks for side effects and complications.

Lucy Jones on April 13, 2019:

My lab was diagnosed with lymphoma 6 months ago and given 1-2 months. She has been on prednisone 20 mg, once a day. Her tumors in her mouth and rectum are gone, She feels great, but recently her appetite which increased with the prednisone, has gotten out of control. She is crazed to eat anything, even empty cans. Reading info...her vet should have cut her back on dosage a long time ago. What do you suggest. She is also on CBD to help mellow her out. Thank you!

Kelli on February 21, 2019:

Where can I obtain CBD oil for my parents dog?

Karen on February 17, 2019:

Can my dog bring on prednisone for 9 months cause is abdomen to become distended, affect is appetite cause bloody stools and vomiting. He has lymphoma. I stopped prednisone and he is doing better

Jude on December 07, 2018:

My dog died taking too much prednisone the vet said 4xday , I told him it was too strong he did not say anything should he have tested before giving those pills.

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on July 27, 2018:

Debbie, so sorry for your dog's diagnosis. My dog has been so far on prednisone for over 2 months now. It's been working well for her. She drinks more and urinates more and has panting episodes at times, but these side effects are minor compared to her totally not eating. I touch basis with my vet evey now and then to make sure everything is fine. Just submitted a urine sample since sometimes dogs on prednisone may get UTI's without showing typical symptoms since prednisone removes inflammation. I also wanted to rule out diabetes since sometimes prednisone may cause diabetes in predisposed dogs.

Debbie Kogan on July 22, 2018:

Hi Adrienne, So sorry about your beloved dog. Our beloved goldendoodle was just diagnosed with lymphoma in her intestine. She had emergency surgery last week to remove a diseased section of her intestine where the lymphoma was discovered. She is almost 13 and was extremely healthy and active up to this point. We decided against chemotherapy since it would only add a few months. We are devastated and heartbroken over this diagnosis but our main goal is to give our girl the best quality of life. She has not eaten in almost 3 days. We took her into our vet yesterday and they gave her fluids and an appetite stimulant. She's also on Pepcid for indigestion. I started her on CBD oil. I am weaning off her the tramadol for pain. She's starting on prednisone tomorrow if she doesn't start eating. Thank you for sharing your story since I was quite concerned giving her the prednisone but now I feel it's the right choice. I'm hopeful that her appetite will return and I can feed her a ketogenic diet.

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on June 01, 2018:

Hello Heidi, I never felt comfortable giving my dogs steroids so I tried to avoid it for as much as I could. Now with my dog's cancer though, I am seeing how helpful this drug can be. My dog is now eating well and enjoying a good quality of life.

Rottweilers are prone to cancer unfortunately, and now statistics sadly show that 1 in 3 dogs die of cancer. Cancer remains the leading cause of death in dogs over 10 years old.

With my Rottweiler being almost 11, I guess she was ticking time bomb, more a matter of when she would get cancer rather than if.

I always thought we would treat cancer aggressively and do surgery and chemo if she got cancer, but this apparently is not an option with this type of cancer she has. It's way too agressive and if she had surgery (and survived it) most of her time would be spent recovering from surgery.

Luckily, my oncologist was very supportive and agreed that with a poor prognosis and survival times of likely less of a month, it's not worthy puting her through all that.

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on June 01, 2018:

Hello Leah, thanks so much for your kind words. We are enjoying time together and every day is a gift. She is eating well now fortunately and enjoying being spoiled, so that's good. Prednisone along with some supplements has been a miracle for us.

Heidi Thorne from Chicago Area on May 29, 2018:

Been down that dog cancer path more times than I care to remember. I'm so sorry to hear about your pup! My heart goes out to both of you during this time.

Yes, prednisone was useful in caring for ours through the cancer and chemo process. Our vet has also recommended it for some other non-cancer, but inflammatory, conditions over the years, too. However, I try to keep its use to a minimum due to the side effects.

Thank you for sharing your wealth of dog care knowledge with us, as always! Take care!

Leah Lefler from Western New York on May 29, 2018:

I am so sorry your dog has cancer, Adrienne! This article is very helpful for understanding the benefits of Prednisone. Palliative care is so important to help dogs enjoy the best quality of life for the time they have left with us. I didn't realize the steroid could also help slow the spread of metastatic cancer - that is a huge benefit. Sending you a lot of love and hope for as many good days as possible with your dog.

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on May 27, 2018:

Thanks Peggy. Your words mean a lot to me at this difficult time. I try my best to cherish the moment. I have stopped taking boarding and training clients for now to dedicate my entire days to her. She is my heart dog and I lover her to pieces. It's very tough thinking of losing her.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on May 27, 2018:

So sorry to hear that your dog has cancer. Enjoy each and every day with your precious pet. I know you are doing just that.

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on May 27, 2018:

Peggy, so sorry to hear about your mom's dog. My guess is that not all cancers may benefit from palliative care. My dog was diganosed with a quite rare form of cancer. Survival times with surgery and chemo are just under a month. My oncologist prescribed prednisone and so far so good. Her appetite is back and she is acting like her normal self. I am spoiling her rotten. Every day is a gift now.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on May 26, 2018:

My mother once had a dog who was young and who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. The vet recommended euthanasia which she sadly did. He did not suggest any form of treatment because it would have been fruitless and just would have prolonged the inevitable. Good to know that in some cases the use of Prednisone can be of help in some forms of cancer.

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Source: https://pethelpful.com/dogs/How-Prednisone-Helps-Dogs-With-Cancer

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