Does your pet need a prescription for this medication?
Book a consultation now if you need to speak with a veterinarian
Prednisone Tablet
Prednisolone (and the closely related prednisone) is a synthetic corticosteroid used in dogs and cats to control inflammation and to suppress an overactive immune system. It is one of the most prescribed medications in small-animal practice because it is fast-acting, inexpensive, and effective across an enormous range of conditions — from acute allergic flare-ups to lifelong management of immune-mediated disease. Cats convert prednisone to its active form less efficiently than dogs, which is why prednisolone is the preferred form for cats.
What prednisolone is used for
Common uses include allergic skin disease (atopic dermatitis, contact reactions, insect-bite hypersensitivity), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and chronic enteropathy, asthma in cats, immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, certain cancers (as part of a chemotherapy protocol), Addisonian crisis support, and acute spinal-cord inflammation. The dose your veterinarian chooses depends on whether the goal is anti-inflammatory (lower doses) or immunosuppressive (higher doses), and tapering schedules are deliberate — abruptly stopping a corticosteroid after long-term use can trigger an adrenal crisis.
Important considerations
Common side effects include increased thirst and urination, increased hunger, panting, and weight gain. Long-term or high-dose use can cause more serious effects, including muscle wasting, thinning skin, secondary infections (urinary, skin), iatrogenic Cushing's disease, GI ulceration, and diabetes mellitus. Do not give with NSAIDs (carprofen, meloxicam, Galliprant, Onsior, Rimadyl) — the combination dramatically increases the risk of stomach ulcers. A washout period is required if switching between an NSAID and a steroid. Give with food to reduce GI upset. Always follow your veterinarian's tapering schedule and never stop suddenly.
Smarty Vets dispenses prednisolone and prednisone tablets and oral liquid (including ophthalmic preparations) from a licensed pharmacy with a valid veterinary prescription.
Click Buy on VetCove to order.