steroids

 

 

Cortisol is a natural steroid hormone produced & released by the adrenal glands, located near to the kidneys. Derivatives of this drug, for example prednisolone, are used in human & veterinary medicine to combat inflammation as follows:

  •    shock & acute trauma

  •    haemorrhage

  •    gastroenteritis & colitis

  •    allergic dermatitis

  •    snake bite

     

When used for limited periods, the effects of steroids are short-lived:

  •    increased thirst & urination

  •    increased appetite

  •    quiet demenour

     

When used for several months , more severe side effects may be seen:

  •    alopecia ( hair loss )

  •    thinning of the skin

  •    muscle atrophy ( loss of muscle bulk leading to weakness )

  •    build up of body fat deposits

  •    depression of the immune system

  •    diabetes mellitis

  •    liver disease

     

The human body is extremely vulnerable to the side-effects of steroids, whereas cats & dogs are generally very resistant.

In order to reduce any side effects to a minimum, low doses of prednisolone are used whenever possible for long term treatment regimes. Furthermore, natural cortisone release by the body's adrenal glands follows a 24 hour or diurnal rhythm. In dogs high blood levels of natural cortisone are seen in the morning & low levels in the evening. In cats, the opposite is true with highest levels seen in the late afternoon. Side effects during long term treatment regimes may be minimised by administering the tablets once daily at a time when natural cortisone levels are highest: late afternoon in the case of the cat & early morning in the case of the dog.

For further information, contact MacDonald Vets, Cheltenham