Comparing Prednisone vs. Prednisolone for Cats & Dogs

Prednisone and prednisolone are two commonly prescribed corticosteroids in veterinary medicine, often used to treat inflammation or allergies in cats and dogs. While both medications serve similar purposes in managing various health conditions, they have distinct differences in how they are processed by dogs and cats. Comparing prednisone vs. prednisolone can help pet owners make informed decisions about treatments.

Understanding How Prednisone and Prednisolone Work

Prednisone and prednisolone work by mimicking the action of cortisol, a naturally occurring hormone produced by your pet’s adrenal glands. Cortisol plays a key role in regulating the body’s response to inflammation and stress. When prednisone or prednisolone is given, the medication inhibits the production of certain chemical signals, including cytokines and prostaglandins, which are normally involved in the body’s response to injury or infection. These chemical signals can cause inflammation, leading to redness, swelling, and pain.

Additionally, these medications suppress the immune system by reducing the activity of immune cells, such as T cells and macrophages. This can be especially helpful in managing autoimmune conditions where the immune system is overactive or attacking the body’s own tissues. By calming both inflammation and immune activity, prednisone and prednisolone help maintain balance in the body’s responses.

Exploring the Use of Corticosteroids in Cats and Dogs

The corticosteroids prednisone and prednisolone are prescribed by veterinarians to manage a variety of health conditions in cats and dogs, including:

• Inflammation: Prednisone and prednisolone can reduce inflammation caused by arthritis, skin irritations, or injuries. They decrease the body’s inflammatory response, helping alleviate your pet’s pain and improving mobility.
• Allergies: Corticosteroids can help control the symptoms of your pet’s allergic reactions, whether from environmental factors, foods, or something else. These medications can reduce itching, swelling, and irritation by suppressing the immune system’s response.
• Respiratory Diseases: Conditions that involve inflammation in the airways, such as asthma in cats or bronchitis in dogs, can be managed with corticosteroids. Corticosteroids reduce the inflammation, helping to open your pet’s airways and improve their breathing.
• Autoimmune Diseases: If your pet has an autoimmune disease, corticosteroids can be prescribed to suppress their immune system’s overactivity. Diseases like immune-mediated hemolytic anemia or lupus can be managed by reducing the immune system's attack on healthy cells, giving your pet’s body a chance to heal.
• Part of Addison’s Disease Treatment: Prednisone or prednisolone can be used as a hormone replacement therapy for Addison’s Disease. This condition occurs when your pet’s adrenal glands fail to produce enough cortisol, which is a crucial hormone. Prednisone or prednisolone can replace the missing cortisol and maintain normal bodily functions, in turn managing symptoms and keeping your pet’s condition stable.

Key Differences Between Prednisone vs. Prednisolone

Prednisolone is the active form of prednisone. But exactly what does that mean, and how do the two corticosteroids differ? The answer comes down to how these medications work in the body.

#1. Metabolic Process

Prednisone has to be metabolized by the liver to convert into prednisolone before taking effect. This metabolic step can delay the action of prednisone. In contrast, prednisolone does not require liver conversion, allowing it to take effect more quickly since it is already in active form.

#2. Usage in Cats

Cats are known to be less efficient at converting prednisone to prednisolone, making prednisolone the preferred choice for them.

#3. Usage in Dogs

In dogs, both prednisone and prednisolone can be used interchangeably. Dogs generally metabolize prednisone to prednisolone efficiently, so either form can be effective depending on the situation. Your veterinarian can help determine which option is best for your dog.

#4. Liver Conditions

For both cats and dogs with liver disease or compromised liver function, prednisolone is the better choice. Since it is already in its active form, prednisolone doesn't require additional processing by your pet’s liver, making it the safer and more effective option.

Key Similarities Between Prednisone vs. Prednisolone

Prednisone and prednisolone are both corticosteroids used to treat similar conditions. They can both be effective options in veterinary care, depending on your specific pet and veterinarian’s recommendations.

#1. Potency

When prednisone is converted into prednisolone by your pet’s body, the two medications are considered equally potent. In other words, they both deliver similar effects when prescribed at equivalent doses.

#2. Inflammatory Relief

Both prednisone and prednisolone suppress the immune system’s response, helping reduce inflammation, swelling, redness, and pain. They can both be valuable treatments for a wide range of conditions that cause these symptoms.

#3. Dosage and Administration

Prednisone and prednisolone are typically administered in similar dosages and forms. They are available as commercial medications in tablet form. Compounding pharmacies, such as Mixlab, can offer a form suited to your pet’s specific needs. Aside from tablets, Mixlab offers chew treats, capsules, suspensions, and transdermal gels for your prescription.

#4. Long-term Side Effects

Prolonged use of either medication can lead to similar long-term side effects, such as:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Increased appetite and weight gain
• Panting, especially in dogs
• Behavioral changes
• Increased risk of infections due to immune suppression
• Diabetes
• Cushing’s Disease
• Gastrointestinal ulcers

#5. Tapering

Both prednisone and prednisolone affect adrenal function by suppressing the body’s natural production of cortisol. For this reason, it's critical to taper your pet off these medications gradually under close veterinary supervision. Abrupt discontinuation can lead to adrenal insufficiency, a condition where your pet’s body is unable to produce enough cortisol on its own.

Other Options for Managing Your Pet’s Inflammation

Prednisone and prednisolone are two options your veterinarian may consider for inflammation. However, there are other medications, supplements, or therapies that can be used separately or in conjunction with these corticosteroids. 

Other options include:

• NSAIDs: Firocoxib, deracoxib, and carprofen are NSAIDs that can be prescribed for dogs. Meloxicam is an option that can be prescribed for cats and dogs.
• Supplements: Many pet owners choose to give their pets omega-3 fatty acids and joint supplements to help with inflammation.
• Antihistamines: These can be prescribed to help manage your pet’s allergies. Diphenhydramine, cetirizine, and loratadine can be prescribed for cats or dogs, among other options.
• Physical Therapy: Massage, stretching, and low-impact exercises can improve your pet’s blood circulation to inflamed areas, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to their tissues. This can reduce inflammation and possibly speed up your pet’s healing process.

Prednisone vs. Prednisolone: Which Does Your Pet Need?

Your veterinarian can help you compare prednisone vs. prednisolone for your pet. If you’re looking to get a prescription filled, Mixlab has you covered. Prednisone and prednisolone are available as commercial medications or we can compound it into a specific form and dosage just for your pet. Place your order and we’ll have it to you quickly with convenient, next-day delivery.