Prednisone or prednisolone for cats is a drug that is relatively commonly used in these animals. In this article on our site, we are going to explain what prednisone or prednisolone for catsworks and how it works, in which cases the veterinarian can prescribe it and what effects we can wait after use.
As always, it is dangerous to administer a medication to a cat if it has not been prescribed by a veterinarian. Even if the cat has already used prednisone before, we cannot repeat its administration without having it checked by the veterinarian.
What is prednisone?
Prednisone or prednisolone for cats is a corticosteroid, specifically, a glucocorticoid Prednisolone is the active form of prednisone. This means that for prednisone to work, it must first be converted to prednisolone. That is why it is spoken of prednisone as a prodrug
It makes no difference to use one denomination or the other because they serve the same purpose, they have the same activity and the same secondary effects. Both substances present minimal differences in their chemical composition.
What is prednisone or prednisolone for cats?
Prednisone or prednisolone is used in inflammatory or immune processes, which is why it is used for a good number of pathologies, both acute and chronic. Usually, it is a drug that, rather than cure a disease, helps to control clinical signs, reducing pain. But this implies that on numerous occasions it is administered together with other medications.
That it acts by weakening the immune system is a disadvantage but, at the same time, it makes it a drug of choice in autoimmune diseases, Autoimmune hemolytic anemias and allergies in cats. It should be known that more drugs such as meloxicam are currently used in cats.
For all these reasons, you may also be interested in this other article on our site about Tips to strengthen the immune system in cats.
Prednisone or prednisolone for cats - dosage
Prednisone in cats can be administered in three ways:
- Orally
- By injection
- Intravenously
Drugs, that is, the oral route, is the most convenient way of all, since it allows us to give it ourselves at home. It is recommended that it be at night.
Dosage of prednisone or prednisolone for cats
The dose can only be determined by the veterinarian taking into account each specific case. Likewise, this professional will have to tell us what the duration of the treatment will be. The studies carried out offer a dosage range that ranges between 0.5 and up to 4 mg per kg of weight per day Among these parameters, the veterinarian will choose the most appropriate.
Moreover, in long-term treatments, given the possible side effects derived from the use of this drug, the objective is to use and maintain the minimum dosethat achieves the desired result. The reduction of the dose must be done according to what the veterinarian prescribes. It is usual to do this by administering the drug on alternate days or by halving the daily dose that was offered until now.
Side Effects of Prednisone or Prednisolone for Cats
Normally, if prednisone is used on an occasional basis, no adverse effects usually occur, but prolonged treatments are associated with different alterations. Some of the Possible Side Effects of Prednisone or Prednisolone for Cats are:
- Very frequent urination
- Increased food and water intake
- Gastrointestinal ulcers
- Diabetes
- Pancreatitis
- Delays healing processes
On the other hand, due to its mechanism of action, when the dose is suspended, adrenal insufficiency may appear, which is why it is recommends tapering off prednisone if prolonged treatment has been followed.
Contraindications of prednisone or prednisolone in cats
In addition, as prednisone has an immunosuppressive effect, it can interfere with the cat's resistance to disease. Prednisone should not be given or used with caution in cats:
- Advanced
- Malnutridos
- Hypertensive
- With viral or fungal diseases
- Diabetics
- With hyperadrenocorticism or Cushing's syndrome
- With heart or kidney problems
- With gastrointestinal ulcers
- With glaucoma or corneal ulcers
Neither should a cat be vaccinated while on prednisone treatment or for the next two weeks, nor should it be given to pregnant cats, as it can cause fetal malformations, abortions or premature births. It is also not recommended during lactation.
As we can see, prednisone or prednisolone for cats is a drug that must be used and withdrawn following a strict veterinary control.
