Reptile · Pogona vitticeps · typical adult weight 0.38–0.51 kg
Prednisone is dosed at 0.5–1 mg/kg PO, SC, IM, IV not printed in bearded dragons, per 63. Carpenter JW, Klaphake E, Gibbons PM, et al. Reptile formulary. In: Divers SJ, Stahl SJ, eds. Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2019:1191-1211. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.262 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.8 (Hormones and Steroids Used in Reptiles). Located 2026-08-05: the only table covering this species in which the drug's own row prints this dose. The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929; Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery (Divers & Stahl) — ISBN 9780323482530, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323482530. Prednisone is used in bearded dragons for Lymphoma, leukaemia, myeloproliferative disease. Routes documented in bearded dragons: PO, SC, IM, IV. A typical adult bearded dragon weighs 0.38–0.51 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Prednisone in bearded dragons, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
US trade names: Deltasone
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO, SC, IM, IV |
| 0.5–1 mg/kg |
| not printed |
| Lymphoma, leukaemia, myeloproliferative disease |
| Weak |
| 63. Carpenter JW, Klaphake E, Gibbons PM, et al. Reptile formulary. In: Divers SJ, Stahl SJ, eds. Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2019:1191-1211. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.262 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.8 (Hormones and Steroids Used in Reptiles). Located 2026-08-05: the only table covering this species in which the drug's own row prints this dose. The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929; Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery (Divers & Stahl) — ISBN 9780323482530, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323482530 |
Every held source for this drug and species, as printed. Where they differ, both are shown — the choice is yours, not ours.
| Dose (mg/kg) | Route | Source | As printed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5–1 | PO | Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th edTable 4.8 | 0.5-1 mg/kg PO, SC, IM, IV |
| 0.8 | — | Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th edTable 4.8 | 0.8 mg/kg q48h |
| 0.2–2 | PO | Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 123.1 | 0.2-2 mg/kg PO, SC, IM, IV Gastrointestinal ulceration, polyuria, polydypsia, weight gain |
| 0.5–1 | PO | Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.7 | 0.5-1 mg/kg PO, SC, IM, IV216 Most species/lymphoma, leukemia, myeloproliferative disease |
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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-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for bearded dragons may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Prednisone dose range in bearded dragons, with cited source references: PO, SC, IM, IV 0.5–1 mg/kg not printed. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Prednisone in bearded dragons: PO, SC, IM, IV.
Prednisone is indicated in bearded dragons for: Lymphoma, leukaemia, myeloproliferative disease.
These are general warnings for Prednisone across species; consult the bearded dragon dosing table above for species-specific guidance. INEFFECTIVE in cats (cannot convert to prednisolone — use prednisolone instead). PU/PD, polyphagia. GI ulceration. Iatrogenic Cushing's with chronic use. Taper when discontinuing.
Why a species-specific page? Prednisone pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in bearded dragons — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.
| 0.8 |
| — |
| Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.7 |
| 0.8 mg/kg q48h95 Most species/chronic T-lymphocytic leukemia; may combine with chlorambucil, but need to monitor uric acid levels |
Figures are transcribed from the cited page or table of each held edition and are shown for reference only. They are not dose recommendations, they do not feed the calculator, and none has been reviewed by a veterinarian.