what is prednisone used to treat in dogs?

What are steroids?

Corticosteroids (commonly referred to as steroids or cortisone) are a class of steroid hormones that are naturally produced in the adrenal glands. Corticosteroids are involved in a wide range activities in the torso, including the stress response, immune organisation response, command of inflammation, nutrient metabolism, and maintenance of claret electrolyte levels.

The adrenal glands produce 2 forms of corticosteroids:

• Glucocorticoids such as cortisol. These control carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism and reduce inflammation through several different mechanisms.

• Mineralocorticoids such as aldosterone. These control electrolyte and total trunk water levels, primarily by causing sodium retention in the kidneys.

Why are corticosteroids prescribed?

Because of their anti-inflammatory backdrop, corticosteroids are a valuable class of medications. They are commonly used to care for balmy inflammatory conditions and/or to suppress the inflammation associated with an allergic response. When administered in loftier doses, they act as immunosuppressant drugs pregnant they suppress or foreclose an allowed response.

"Because of their anti-inflammatory properties, corticosteroids are a valuable class of medications."

About forms of corticosteroids that are prescribed are constructed, and include prednisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone, triamcinolone, and methylprednisolone. These constructed forms of corticosteroids are many times more potent than the naturally occurring forms constitute in the body and typically last much longer. Considering of their increased potency and elapsing of action, if synthetic corticosteroids are used, the patient must be advisedly monitored to minimize the risks of serious side furnishings.

For decades, this course of drugs has benefited humans and animals. They are a vital part of the treatment protocol for many life-threatening diseases. Their benefits far outweigh whatever risks in the majority of cases. When used properly, very few side furnishings occur.

What side effects tin corticosteroids cause?

Corticosteroids may have both short- and long-term side effects that crusade different bug in your dog.

Curt-term side effects

Short-term side furnishings are those that nosotros expect a canis familiaris to experience when initially placed on corticosteroids. These side effects depend both on the type of steroid prescribed and on the dosage administered, and include:

• increased thirst and urination
• increased hunger
• panting
• general loss of energy
• development or worsening of infections (especially bacterial skin infections)
• airsickness or nausea (less mutual)

Some pre-diabetic dogs may become diabetic with corticosteroid usage. In many of these cases, the diabetes resolves one time the steroid is discontinued.

If any of these side effects occur, they tin can ofttimes be eliminated past lowering the dosage or frequency of administration. In some cases, your veterinarian may prescribe another type of corticosteroid in an effort to reduce the side furnishings. The objective is to determine the lowest dose of medication that controls the status with the least number of side furnishings.

Long-term side effects

Some diseases and medical conditions crave long-term handling with corticosteroids, at either an anti-inflammatory dose or an immunosuppressive dose. When corticosteroids will be used for more than three to four months, particularly at immunosuppressive doses, additional side effects become a concern. The almost usually seen long-term side effects include:

• urinary tract infections (UTIs), which occur in up to 30% of patients. Monitoring for the development of UTI is achieved by performing periodic urine cultures. A patient receiving steroids may not experience the usual symptoms of urinary tract infection, considering the steroid volition suppress the inflammation and discomfort commonly associated with a UTI. In many cases, a urine civilisation may be the only style to discover the infection.
• evolution of sparse skin, blackheads, and a poor or sparse hair glaze
• poor wound healing power
• development of obesity due to increased hunger
• muscle weakness secondary to protein catabolism (breakdown)
• evolution of hard plaques or spots on the skin called calcinosis cutis . These plaques are the result of calcium deposition in the skin.
• increased susceptibility to opportunistic or secondary bacterial infections
• increased susceptibility to fungal infections (especially of the nasal cavity)
• evolution of developed onset demodectic mange (pare mites)
• predisposition to diabetes mellitus

I have been told that corticosteroids can cause Cushing's affliction. Why is this?

An excessive level of corticosteroids may cause Cushing's illness. When a dog is on long-term, high doses of glucocorticoids, in that location is an increased risk that a status chosen iatrogenic (medication induced) Cushing's affliction will develop. The clinical signs of Cushing's affliction include increased thirst and urination, an increase in UTI's and skin/ear infections, a pot-bellied advent, thinning pare, and hair loss. In the handling of some diseases, the risk of iatrogenic Cushing'due south disease is unavoidable. To minimize this risk, corticosteroid doses are tapered downward over fourth dimension, or several different drugs may exist used in combination.

How do I reduce the risk of any of these side effects in my dog?

Fortunately, well-nigh dogs can safely employ corticosteroids if a few simple guidelines are followed, such as:

• Avert using glucocorticoids on a daily ground except when specifically instructed past your veterinarian. Only life- threatening immune-mediated diseases crave long-term daily steroid use. Most corticosteroid protocols require daily use just during the initial treatment stage. If your canis familiaris is receiving corticosteroids to reduce itching or for musculoskeletal hurting, you lot should strive to administer them every other day. If you experience your dog requires daily corticosteroid use, inform your veterinary, who may recommend an additional or culling treatment combination. For dogs on college doses or frequencies of corticosteroids, stomach protectants (e.chiliad., omeprazole) are often used to prevent stomach upset.
• If your canis familiaris requires more than three to four months of corticosteroid usage, the condition should exist re-evaluated or other treatment options should be pursued.
• Dogs on long-term corticosteroids should be monitored with quarterly examinations and with urine cultures and blood tests every six months.

Corticosteroids can be life-saving medications and amend the quality of life for many dogs. By working closely with your veterinarian, y'all tin safely administer these drugs and provide your dog with the loftier quality of intendance he needs and deserves. If you lot have whatsoever questions or concerns almost your domestic dog's medications, delight contact your veterinary.

morenodozedilitry.blogspot.com

Source: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/steroid-treatment-long-term-effects-in-dogs

Share this post