What is Prednisolone for Cats and Is it Safe?

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There are many different types of medications that animals can take that are also given to humans. Cortisone is one of them, also known as Prednisone, and Prednisolone is another. Both are in the same categories of corticosteroids, which are anti-inflammatories. Cortisones can be used to treat different types of issues in cats, including, asthma, skin disorders, allergies, allergic dermatoses, among many other medical issues and conditions. Prednisolone is potent and although it is considered safe, it does have possible side effects and precautions, which is why it is a medication that can only be given, or prescribed by a veterinarian.

The typical dosage for a cat is 5mg, which comes in tablet form. If a higher dose for treatment, other than 5mg, is needed, there is a higher risk for side effects, such as polyuria and polydipsia. If this happens, dosages may need to be reduced. Other issues that may develop are problems related to a long duration of treatment. If your cat needs to be on Prednisolone for a long time, your cat might begin to suffer from some depression of the adrenocortical function, which in turn results in adrenal atrophy. If there are signs of this beginning to happen, your vet may stop treatment, however, your cat will need to be weaned off of the drug in a slow, gradual reduction.

Prednisolone can also slow healing in some cases or mask the signs of an ongoing infection. It can also cause the start of a latent infection. For this reason, depending on the reason and treatment plan with Prednisolone, your vet may recommend your cat be on an antibacterial therapy treatment along with the Prednisolone.

Most cats do well with this medication and can tolerate well, in the normal dosage range and for shorter treatment times. If your cat ever develops a problem that Prednisolone may help with and it is found to be more beneficial for him to take this medication, than to risk the effects of the medical issue, you will know a little bit more about this medicine before you start to give it to your pet.

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