Clinical decision support
Steroid conversion calculator
Convert between common veterinary corticosteroids with dose range context.
Reference ranges & assumptions
Weight is optional. If provided, mg/kg and dose category are calculated.
Safety checks
- Do NOT stop long-term steroids abruptly — taper required.
- Avoid in diabetic patients — causes hyperglycemia.
- Immunosuppressive doses increase infection risk.
- GI ulceration risk — consider gastroprotectants.
Basis and limits
- Conversion: Relative potency to prednisone (prednisone = 1).
- Dog anti-inflammatory: ~0.5–1 mg/kg prednisone equivalent.
- Dog immunosuppressive: ~2–4 mg/kg prednisone equivalent.
- Cat anti-inflammatory: ~0.5–1 mg/kg prednisone equivalent.
- Cat immunosuppressive: ~2–4 mg/kg prednisone equivalent.
- Scope: Converts between steroids. Does not replace clinical judgment.
Formula
Conversion: inputDose × (fromPotency / toPotency)
Last reviewed: May 2026
References: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, Merck Veterinary Manual, BSAVA Formulary, AAHA Guidelines. Verify against current references before clinical use.