What is the anti-inflammatory dose of prednisolone in horses?

• A. 0.5-1 mg/kg
• B. 1-1.5 mg/kg
• C. 2-3 mg/kg
• D. 3-4 mg/kg

Answer: (B)

Glucocorticoids like prednisolone have separate dosing ranges for anti-inflammatory effects versus immunosuppression. In horses, the anti-inflammatory dose is the amount that effectively suppresses the inflammatory cascade without strongly dampening the immune system. Around 1 to 1.5 mg/kg is used as the anti-inflammatory range because it reliably reduces inflammatory mediators and leukocyte trafficking, leading to clinical improvement in swelling, pain, and exudation.

Doses higher, such as 2 mg/kg and above, edge into immunosuppressive territory where healing may be slowed and infection risk increases. While lower doses (0.5-1 mg/kg) can be effective, the 1–1.5 mg/kg window is a commonly accepted range that balances efficacy with safety for anti-inflammatory purposes.