ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/prednisone
US brand names:Deltasone
Prednisone is dosed at 2–4 mg/kg PO q12h initially in dogs, per Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Prodrug converted to prednisolone by the liver. Modulates gene transcription via glucocorticoid receptors, suppressing inflammatory/immune responses.
INEFFECTIVE in cats (cannot convert to prednisolone — use prednisolone instead). PU/PD, polyphagia. GI ulceration. Iatrogenic Cushing's with chronic use. Taper when discontinuing.
Species references:All Dog (Domestic) drugs
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A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 1 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 2–4 mg/kg | q12h initially | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 0.5–1 mg/kg | q12-24h | Strong | Johnson KC, Mackin A. Canine immune-mediated polyarthritis: part 2: diagnosis and treatment. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2012;48(2):71-82. PMID: 22267168 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.771 (2026-08-01). |
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