Diarrhea in Dogs From Prednisone
Prednisone is a corticosteroid, which more commonly known as a steroid, used frequently to treat pain in dogs with spinal problems, allergies, Addison's Disease and neurological problems. Like most medications, prednisone has side effects, the most noticeable being diarrhea.
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Time Frame
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Dogs can produce diarrhea as a result of prednisone treatment at any stage of their treatment, but observations to Dr. Richards of Vet Inf) indicate that many dogs experience diarrhea after continued prednisone treatment.
Effects
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Veterinarians typically only proscribe prednisone when the benefits of the medication outweigh the risks and side effects. Prednisone can have several potential side effects in dogs, including the development of gastric ulcers and decreased mineral absorption.
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Prevention/Solution
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Communicating these side effects to the veterinarian can lead to a more effective management of the dog's diarrhea. In some cases, the veterinarian will reduce daily dosing of prednisone to every other day.
Treatment
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If a dog requires prednisone, it is possible to ease the effects of diarrhea with home remedies, which should always be approved by the veterinarian. Ensure that the dog's water is fresh, clean and in supply. You may also treat dog diarrhea with over-the-counter canine diarrhea medications or Pepto Bismol.
Warning
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Dogs experiencing diarrhea as the result of taking prednisone should be taken to the vet promptly. Owners should always consult a veterinarian before using a home remedy on a dog suffering from diarrhea.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Paul Keleher
