What Is A Corticosteroid?

Corticosteroids are medications that relieve pain and inflammation. Corticosteroids are naturally produced in small amounts in all warm-blooded creatures, including people and pets. Pharmaceutical corticosteroids mimic natural steroids, but are in a much higher concentration. They are generally used for emergency rather than chronic treatment of painful conditions. Because corticosteroid drugs have serious side effects, they require a prescription, and your veterinarian may request periodic blood tests to confirm your pet's liver remains healthy. Some veterinarians recommend supplementing with SAMe (Denosyl) to protect the liver.

What are examples of corticosteroids used for pets?

Corticosteroid medications can be applied topically to the eye and skin for pain relief (as a corticosteroid cream), taken orally, or as a corticosteroid injection into the joints and muscles. Oral or injectible forms of prednisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone, and triamcinolone are used to treat pets with bone and joint pain. These medications require a prescription.

What pet health problems are helped with corticosteroids?

Corticosteroids affect every organ, and possibly every cell in the pet's body. They are used to control inflammation, allergic reactions, and pain. They can be used for emergency treatment when the pet's system is over-reacting and causing life threatening swelling, and for routine use to control pain, allergic symptoms, itching, and swelling. corticosteroids are routinely used to supplement pets whose adrenal glands aren't producing steroids; and they can be used to treat some forms of cancer.

Corticosteroids, the good and the bad

Corticosteroids are powerful healing drugs. Like any powerful drug they can also cause harm. Some corticosteroid side effects include stomach ulcers, delayed wound healing, thyroid hormone suppression, immune suppression so that the body doesn't fight infection well, high blood sugar, and swollen liver. Many pets will drink more and urinate more (polydipsia and polyuria or PUPD). Some pets will have an increased appetite, and some will have fluid retention (edema).

Making corticosteroid use safer

1. Use Omega 3 Fatty Acids like Lipiderm, Derm Caps, 3V Caps, and 1-800-PetMeds Brite Coat XS to reduce inflammation so your pet is able to use a lower dose of corticosteroids, or doesn't need to take them as often.

2. Use the smallest dose of Corticosteroid that is effective.

3. Start the corticosteroid before the problem becomes severe rather than waiting until it is severe.

4. Provide plenty of water because corticosteroids often increase thirst. Provide for more frequent potty breaks.

5. Weigh the pet periodically, and note changes in appetite. Keep your veterinarian informed of these changes.

6. Have blood and urine tests as requested by your veterinarian.

7. Because pets on steroids can develop stomach and intestinal ulcers, check the stool for the presence of blood. Blood from an ulcer passes through the gut along with food and is digested into a black, tarry substance. Finding a blackish stool is reason to stop medicating. Notify your veterinarian immediately.

8. Never give corticosteroids without your veterinarian's advice.

What's the difference between Prednisone and Prednisolone?

Prednisolone does not have to be converted by the liver to an active molecule, but prednisone does. For pets with liver failure, prednisolone is preferred.