Giving Dog Corticosteroids: When To Use Them And Why
The administration of corticosteroid drugs to dogs is recommended for various chronic conditions and some metabolic deficiencies.
However, their healing properties are subject to much controversy due to the multiple, and often severe, side effects.
In this article, we will explain what corticosteroid medications are , how they work and when to use them, paying particular attention to the health risks and benefits of your four-legged friends.
What are corticosteroids?
They belong to the group of hormones called steroids. Human and animal bodies naturally release moderate doses of some corticosteroids, such as cortisol (hydrocortisone) and corticosterone.
These hormones are produced in the cortex of the adrenal glands, hence their names.
The organic function of corticosteroids is associated with the control of stressful or anxious situations. In these cases, small doses are released into the bloodstream to generate a rapid response to the abnormality.
However, their pharmacological use is due to their powerful anti-inflammatory action. Corticosteroids prevent the buildup of inflammatory cells in the affected areas, thereby reversing possible negative symptoms.
When to use corticosteroids in dogs
Corticosteroids can be prescribed orally (pills), topical application (ointments and creams), inhalations and injections.
The prescription is prescribed and signed by the veterinarian who, based on the type of disease, will indicate the most effective treatment.
The administration of cortisone aims to contain the inflammatory process and relieve the acute symptoms generated by the following conditions:
- Allergies and dermatological inflammations.
- Metabolic disorders, such as adrenocortical insufficiency.
- Rheumatic diseases.
- Other allergies and respiratory diseases.
- Allergic conjunctivitis.
- Nephrotic (renal) syndrome.
- Autoimmune diseases, such as Addison and Crohn.
- Organ transplant.
- Tendonitis or muscle injury with a high level of inflammation.
- Palliative treatments for malignant neoplasms.
Controversy over the use of corticosteroids in dogs
In principle, the use of cortisone generates controversy because this hormone is unable to treat the true cause of the inflammation.
That is, its effect is palliative, so it can only relieve symptoms temporarily.
Working like other pain relievers (or analgesics) but much more potent, they inhibit the immunological function of lymphocytes and macrophages in the inflamed regions.
Therefore, they usually have immunosuppressive effects that damage the organism and expose the vulnerable animal to other conditions.
So, unfortunately, they can have the opposite effect to that desired, as they even prevent blood vessels from dilating and the release of enzymes, which are crucial for naturally limiting inflammation.
Mild Side Effects of Using Corticosteroids in Dogs
In moderate doses for short treatments, corticosteroids can generate the following reactions:
- Increased thirst and appetite.
- Tendency to be overweight.
- Accumulation of fluids and swelling in different regions of the body.
- Behavioral changes: anxiety, sleep disturbances, etc.
- Tachycardia and heart rhythm irregularities.
- Mood changes.
- Slow healing.
Chronic side effects from corticosteroid use in dogs
Serious side effects have also been noted following prolonged use of corticosteroid medications in dogs.
The damage can become chronic, which will affect the animal throughout its life, as it will require permanent treatment.
The corticosteroids reduce the production and release of gastric mucus, why eliminate the main protective layer of the stomach wall. On the other hand, they increase the segregation of hydrochloric acid, which favors the appearance of gastritis and ulcers.
Many pets have developed problems with calcium fixation, which means their bones are more vulnerable to degenerative diseases, such as dysplasia and osteoarthritis.
They were also more prone to fractures and trauma due to wear on their bone mass.
Several metabolic alterations have been found in animals receiving high doses of corticosteroids. This includes the imbalance in vitamin and mineral levels, as well as hormone production.
Corticosteroids also interfere with the metabolism of carbohydrates ingested daily in the diet. As a result, the dog can suffer from hyperglycemia and develop diabetes.
Other side effects of corticosteroid treatment
- Generalized edema due to excessive accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.
- Wear of cardiac structures and increased risk of myocardial infarction.
- Increased pressure of the eyeball, which promotes the development of cataracts and glaucoma.
- Severe picture of immunosuppression.
- Hypertension.
Corticosteroids in dogs: contraindications
The use of corticosteroids is not recommended in dogs suffering from gastritis (or ulcer), diabetes or other heart conditions and infections.
This is due to the fact that the immunosuppressive effects could lead the animal to die rapidly.
From this analysis, we understand how the use of these hormones must always be carried out under medical prescription and in cases where, obviously, the risks associated with the intake are justified by the criticality of the pathology suffered by your animal.
