Prednisone for Cats & Constipation
Prednisone is a medication that may be used to treat various conditions in animals such as horses, dogs and cats. Cats usually have fewer reactions to corticosteroids than dogs, but may need higher doses of the medication to achieve results.
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Identification
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Prednisone is a prescription medication that is used to treat a wide variety of conditions in animals as well as humans. Prednisone has anti-inflammatory properties and is classified as an adrenocorticosteroid hormone. Corticosteroids are effective medicines to use in conditions that cause inflammation, due to the fact that they affect the inflammatory process of the body in many different ways. Prednisone may be given orally, topically or by injection.
Types
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There are many different types of conditions that Prednisone may be used to treat in cats. These may include anaphylactic reactions, spinal-cord trauma, mange, central nervous system disorders, asthma, hives, itching, Addison's disease, inflammatory bowel disease, respiratory diseases and immune-mediated disorders.
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Effects
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There have been some side effects reported with the use of Prednisone in cats. However, cats generally tolerate the use of corticosteroids well. Some of the side effects associated with the use of Prednisone in cats are excessive thirst, excessive eating, frequent urination and behavioral changes. Gastrointestinal side effects also occurred in some cats, such as constipation and diarrhea. Corticosteroids may also worsen gastric ulcers in cats.
Symptoms
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Some of the symptoms of constipation in cats, resulting from the use of medication, may be crouching and straining in the litter box, hard stools, vomiting, depression, lethargy, hunching over in discomfort, loss of appetite and weight loss.
Prevention/Solution
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If your cat is taking Prednisone and appears to suffer from gastrointestinal disturbances such as constipation, consult your veterinarian. Some medications that may be used to treat constipation in cats are bulk-forming laxatives and stool softeners. For constipation that is very severe, the veterinarian may perform an enema to help rid the cat of waste.
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References
- Photo Credit cat portrait image by Stasys Eidiejus from Fotolia.com
