Prednisone for Dog Joint Pain
Dogs who have joint problems can experience symptoms from pain and inflammation to arthritis and rheumatism. If not managed properly, dog joint pain can significantly hinder your dog's activity. If your dog displays stiffness, whimpers when getting up or standing or moves in an awkward manner, he may be suffering from joint pain. Prednisone is frequently used in dogs to treat ailments that have an inflammatory cause or component, such as joint pain.
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Definition
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Prednisone has diverse uses. It is a synthetic, inactive corticosteroid that, once reaches the liver, is chemically changed into prednisolone, an active steroid. In dogs, prednisone is often used to alleviate swelling which causes joint pain. Prednisone can be administered to dogs with joint pain by injection, orally or topically.
Function
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Prednisone is commonly used by veterinarians in dogs with joint pain, which can be brought about from aliments such as arthritis. Prednisone acts by blocking the effects of the enzyme cyclooxygenase, which is responsible for the production of prostaglandins; hormone-like substance that aids in functions such as the dilation and constriction of blood vessels and control of blood pressure.
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Benefits
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According to canismajor.com, joint pain in dogs may result from degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis), which is the destruction of the cartilage that protects the bones that make up the joint or inflammatory joint disease, which is caused by infection or by underlying immune-mediated diseases.
Prednisone mimics natural anti-inflammatory substances acting like cortisol, which is a protective hormone already found in the body. Dogs with joint pain benefit from prednisone because it is an effective anti-inflammatory and anti-pain medication. Prednisone is fast acting and once swelling in the joints is reduced your dog will begin to feel better.
Considerations
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Immediate side effects can occur even if prednisone is used for only a short amount of time. These may include excessive thirst or hunger, diarrhea, vomiting, weight gain, pancreatitis, elevated liver enzymes and even behavioral changes.
While some of the side effects after long term use mirror those of short term use, other serious conditions can arise, such as degeneration of muscles, diabetes, Cushing's disease and Addison's disease, both of which can be fatal. Using more than the dosage prescribed by your veterinarian can cause severe side effects.
Warning
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Prednisone is a corticosteroid; this drug hinders the normal functioning of the adrenal glands, and because of this, long term use of prednisone can cause your dog's body to be dependant on it. If this happens, his body may not be able to produce corticosteroids on its own.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Dog image by FaithBuffy from Fotolia.com
