Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid used by many veterinarians to treat a wide variety of conditions in dogs including:

* Disorders of the central nervous system.
* Endocrinal disorders like Cushings disease and Addisons disease.
* Neoplastic conditions that is growth of tumors.
* Immune mediated diseases.
* Emergency situations like spinal chord trauma.
* Inflammation related respiratory and bowel disorders.

Side effects of prednisone depend directly on the quantum and duration of the drug administered. Short term use of prednisone is less likely to cause any damaging side effects. It is only when the dose reaches an immunosuppressive level when the side effects start causing concern.

Overdose of prednisone can cause suppression of normal adrenal functions, Cushing’s disease in dogs and destabilization of metabolism if withdrawn abruptly. Short term use can cause excessive urination abnormal hunger and an increase in the appetite for dogs. Prolonged use, even in recommended dosages may cause:

* Diarrhea.
* Gastrointestinal ulcers.
* Inflammation in the pancreas.
* Muscle degeneration.
* Vomiting.
* Weight gain.
* Diabetes.
* Behavioral changes.
* Skin and hair coat problems.

Symptoms of Addison’s disease are not so specific in dogs. Moreover, even these vague symptoms vary over a period leading to a situation where dog owners are not even sure of its prevalence. Addison’s disease generally occurs due to autoimmune conditions.

Although it is not a conclusive diagnostic procedure, it is important to look for the level of primary ions of electrolytes like sodium and potassium. The proper amount and distribution of electrolytes in the body is essential for your dog’s health.

Final diagnosis of Addison’s disease, however, is done only after checking the response of the dog’s body to ACTH. ACTH is a hormone that is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland to stimulate the adrenal cortex to produce its own hormones.

Addison’s disease is basically a production disorder and is caused by an insufficiency of hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex. This is unlike canine Cushing’s disease, which is caused by excessive production of adrenal hormones. Addison’s disease is managed by giving supplemental hormones.

Aldosterone, a corticosteroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands that regulates salt (sodium and potassium) and water balance needs to be supplemented. This is achieved by administering a mineralocorticoid that influences the metabolism of sodium and potassium.

The pituitary gland located at the base of the brain releases ACTH (hormones that stimulate the adrenal cortex) into the blood stream. Another part of the brain, hypothalamus, is responsible for directing the pituitary gland to do this. Once released into the blood stream, ACTH stimulates the two adrenal glands situated near the kidney of the dog to secrete glucocorticoid (cortisone-like or cortisol) into the blood stream.

A dog’s body automatically increases production of cortisol in conditions of stress, infection, pain, surgery or trauma. This is the natural and automatic response of the body to sustain life and maintain important body functions.

The body system of a healthy dog is agile and can maintain metabolic equilibrium. It can actively maintain several complex biological mechanisms that operate via the autonomic nervous system to offset disrupting changes. This complex system of reciprocal responses can be disturbed due to adrenal or pituitary tumors or due to veterinary interference. Administering an excess of cortisol indirectly means ‘poisoning’ the dog’s body that can ultimately result in Cushing’s disease or hyperadrenocorticism in a dog. Cushing’s disease in dogs may occur due to issues in the adrenal gland or the pituitary gland.