The Effects of Prednisone on an Equine

A synthetic corticosteroid used to treat conditions in humans and animals, prednisone works well to lessen inflammation and decrease immune responses. Horses can take it orally, as an injection or topically. Prednisone can help asthma in humans as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as heaves or broken wind, in equines.

  1. Prednisone versus Prednisolone

    • The liver metabolizes prednisone to the active form prednisolone. Humans, dogs and most other species make this conversaion rapidly, making prednisone an effective treatment. Horses given oral prednisone rarely convert it to prednisolone in the liver, which is why prednisone may fail to cure their heaves. For horses, prednisolone, administered in tablet or liquid form, is rapidly absorbed and is a better choice than prednisone.

    Use

    • Corticosteroids such prednisone and prednisolone can treat allergies because they reduce inflammation. These drugs also help treat inflammatory bowel disease and chronic skin diseases involving inflammation. Vets normally prescribe corticosteroids at the lowest dosage that will be effective. The dose varies with the horse̵7;s size and will be different for a pony and a Thoroughbred.

    Adverse Effects

    • Corticosteroids can cause laminitis, or founder, in horses, although prednisone is not in the higher risk category. Corticosteroids also suppress immune response, making animals more susceptible to infections. Prednisone can cause drug interactions when taken with other drugs, whichinclude salicylate, phenobarbital, cyclosporine, erythromycin, phenytoin, rifampin, mitotane and anticholinesterase drugs including pyridostigmine and neostigmine.

    Precautions

    • A prescription drug, prednisone is prohibited in drug-free horse events and competitions. The horse must be weaned off long-term use of the drug by tapering the dosage and increasing the time between doses. Do not stop abruptly, as this can cause life-threatening changes to the hormonal and metabolic systems due to the sudden lack of circulating steroids. Avoid administering corticosteroids to pregnant and lactating mares, and young foals.