Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2012 13:47:49 GMT -5
We commonly see/hear the term "pred." and "prednisone" used as medication for ferrets. Even vets will use the term "Prednisone" when they're actually prescribing Prednisolone. So what's the difference, and does it matter which drug is given?
Many people are unaware that there is a HUGE difference between Prednisone and Prednisolone (pronounced Pred-NIS-o-lone) for small animals even though the drugs are effectively "equivalent"
Pednisone is a precursor to Prednisolone, which basically means that the liver transforms Prednisone into Prednisolone, which is the bio-available form of the drug.
Ferrets should ALWAYS be given Prednisolone because:
1. It's much easier on the liver.
2. It's much faster acting because the liver does not have to transform the prednisolone into a "usable"form
The most common brand name of Prednisoline prescribed to ferrets (at least in the US) is Pediapred, which is a liquid that's reasonably well-accepted by most ferrets.
Again, it has been my experience that quite a few vets will use the term "Prednisone" but actually prescribe Prednisolone. If you don't recognize the brand name of medication prescribed, you should always ask just to confirm that Prednisolone is being given.
Even though I've never heard of a vet prescribing regular prednisone to small animals, I prefer to confirm that I'm getting the correct drug.....most vets LIKE owners who try to remain knowledgeable about their pet's medication and health. It never hurts to learn
Also, I encourage you to post other brand names for Prednisolone n this thread- Pediapred is the only brand I've ever been given for my ferrets,and that was about 10 years ago.
-jennifer
Many people are unaware that there is a HUGE difference between Prednisone and Prednisolone (pronounced Pred-NIS-o-lone) for small animals even though the drugs are effectively "equivalent"
Pednisone is a precursor to Prednisolone, which basically means that the liver transforms Prednisone into Prednisolone, which is the bio-available form of the drug.
Ferrets should ALWAYS be given Prednisolone because:
1. It's much easier on the liver.
2. It's much faster acting because the liver does not have to transform the prednisolone into a "usable"form
The most common brand name of Prednisoline prescribed to ferrets (at least in the US) is Pediapred, which is a liquid that's reasonably well-accepted by most ferrets.
Again, it has been my experience that quite a few vets will use the term "Prednisone" but actually prescribe Prednisolone. If you don't recognize the brand name of medication prescribed, you should always ask just to confirm that Prednisolone is being given.
Even though I've never heard of a vet prescribing regular prednisone to small animals, I prefer to confirm that I'm getting the correct drug.....most vets LIKE owners who try to remain knowledgeable about their pet's medication and health. It never hurts to learn
Also, I encourage you to post other brand names for Prednisolone n this thread- Pediapred is the only brand I've ever been given for my ferrets,and that was about 10 years ago.
-jennifer