Message Number: SG13198 | New FHL Archives Search
From: sukiec@optonline.net
Date: 2005-03-22 19:31:43 UTC
Subject: RE: Pred preferably in the morning??
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <679776.1111519903224.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>

Author wrote:
> I read about pred in a pharmacological book that it's best to take it early in the morning, that way it interferes the least with the endogen corticosteroid- and ACTH-production.
> Does this apply to ferrets too?

Hey, I haven't dropped off the face of the Earth!

Sorry that I've been gone but I was running fevers that were spiking over 104'F and you honestly are better off without me then. Besides, Mike, even over-worked with others of us sick has enough brains for all of us.

A bit about Prednisolone and Prednisone:
The compound the body uses is Prednisolone, so when Prednisone is given the liver has to process Prednisolone from it. That is why, if there is any chance of liver compromise, that it is better to give Prednisolone.

Secondly, ferrets are NOT prone to steroid side effects, AND they tolerate much larger amounts and longer use than many other mammals. One exception is GI ulceration so giving the liquid prep (available from pretty much any pharmacy and from an increasing number of vets) of Carafate makes sense. Do try to give it at a different time than the meds.

Pred has an action time of about 9 hours according to a wonderful vet we had till he moved. You will notice that usually it is given twice a day from ferrets, but sometimes 3 times a day for ones who are not held by the 12 hour separation.

There is a lot of info on the Preds in the complete FHL Archives available at

http://fhl.sonic-weasel.org

I doubt that your question would apply to ferrets due to their tendency to not have steroid side effects.

(Oh, with very long term high-dose Pred use there sometimes can be some fur loss.)

Here is one of Dr. Bruce William's past posts on the topic form back when fewer vets realized how well ferret usually tolerate steroids:
http://fhl.sonic-weasel.org/browse.php?msg=YG1140

START QUOTE
I will certainly agree with you on this point. While of course,
prednisone should only be given when called for, ferrets (a so-called
steroid-resistant species) do quite well with it, and do not appear
to suffer the problems which humans, dogs, cats, and many other
species do.

Regarding the ulcerogenic properties of prednisone - it has been well
documented in humans and dogs. However, I have only seen one case of
ulcers that could be attributed to the prednisone - and that was in a
terminal lymphoma patient on 5mg/lb for palliative therapy. It
doesn't really wear the lining down over time - that would be the
Helicobacter that so commonly affects our domestic ferrets.

Veterinarians today as they come out of school, are much better
schooled in the ills of overusage of prednisone than I was, and I
probably overused it earlier in my career.

However, I wish that someone would tell them not to withhold it in
appropriate situations in ferrets. It can be a godsend when used
appropriately.
END QUOTE
and
http://fhl.sonic-weasel.org/browse.php?msg=YG752
which addresses the Cushingoid concern your ask about in your post
START QUOTE
The side-effects of long-term prednisone usage vary with the dosage.
Actually, ferrets are a steroid-resistant species, so at most
dosages, long term administration results in minimal side effects.
At higher doses - 2 mg/lb or higher, prolonged usage may result in
delayed healing, ulcer formation (probably actually just retardation
of healing), and rarely signs of true Cushing's disease.

Dosease at 2mg/lb or higher are rarely used in ferrets, except as
palliative therapy for lymphoma, or in some cases of autoimmune
disease, such as pemphigus. In such cases,we closely monitor for
clinical signs, but they are still rare.
END QUOTE

Sukie

with many, many thanks to Mike Janke who over-worked himself badly the last few days when I was completely off, and also worked extra the week before that when I was off some depending on how I felt, for doing the work of several people and making sure that everyone here had a chance to get some needed help.