Why did the vet prescribe steroids?

Steroids are one of the most effective drugs to treat immune-mediated and inflammatory diseases. However, there are some side effects that your vet will try to minimise. These range from being merely somewhat troublesome, through to some which are potentially very significant.

• Drug interactions are possible if another drug is given at the same time as steroids, so always talk to your vet about any new drugs if you pet is already being prescribed steroids.
• Steroids have a potent anti-inflammatory effect and are often used to reduce inflammation.
• They are administered through the use of a nebulizer or an inhaler and this allows the steroids to head straight to the target area, reducing the risk of side effects.
• Inflammation can affect other parts of the body – typically the joints.
• Some corticosteroids may cause sodium and water retention and hypokalaemia in long term use.

In most cases, your vet will recommend weaning your dog’s steroids down to the lowest dose that effectively manages your dog’s condition, and in many cases stopping them altogether. Steroids are prescription medications and should only be given under the direction of a vet. While they can have side effects, they are very effective at treating a range of medical conditions and in some cases, steroids for dogs can even be lifesaving.

Steroid responsive meningitis dogs symptoms

The condition most often occurs in young puppies when their immune system produces antibodies and an inflammatory response against a harmless protein found in the walls of the blood vessels in the meninges. If steroids are stopped suddenly, it can cause an Addisonian crisis in which the body lacks enough cortisol to manage all its functions that this hormone affects. Side effects that may occur with prednisone for dogs include increased thirst and urination. Occasional visits to your neurology clinician or primary care vet may be required during the course of treatment.

Your vet will aim to minimise any side effects experienced by adjustment of the dose if needed. Sometimes if side effects are particularly problematic, additional medications may be added into the treatment plan so a lower dose of steroid could be considered. Steroids have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect and are often used to reduce inflammation. Steroids can be used in the treatment of allergic conditions such as flea allergy dermatitis (skin inflammation and itchiness), asthma-like diseases, food allergies and bee stings.

Ask the Vet: Advice on pet health – What are the long term effects of steroid treatment in dogs?

ContraindicationsDo not use in animals suffering from viral or mycotic infections.Do not use in animals suffering from diabetes mellitus or hyperadrenocorticism. Do not use in animals with osteoporosis Do not use in animals suffering from cardiac or renal dysfunctionDo not use in animals suffering from corneal ulcers.Do not use in animals with gastro-intestinal ulceration. In order to confirm a diagnosis of steroid responsive meningitis in dogs, your vet will need to uncover inflammation and evidence of a particular inflammatory cell while examining your pet. It occurs when a dog’s immune system attacks a protein in the walls of the blood vessels within the meninges.

If you run low or run out of steroids by accident it’s very important to contact your vet ASAP. The second school requires balancing the benefits gained from the introduction of anti-epileptic therapy with the adverse effects caused by the medication and the demands on the owner. If you need to take both medications, you may be given a medication called a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Corticosteroids can decrease the effectiveness of medications used to treat diabetes.

The adrenal glands are located in the abdomen (tummy) above the kidneys. One example of the body’s naturally produced steroid hormones is cortisol. Steroid hormones are essential for life, they are involved in many different processes in the body.

Steroids can cause shrinkage of the adrenal glands, leading to adrenal insufficiency. This becomes apparent following sudden withdrawal of steroids and can lead to an acute medical crisis where an animal is unable to deal adequately with stressful situations. Steroid therapy should therefore never be discontinued abruptly, particularly if high doses are being used. The dose should always be reduced and withdrawn gradually to prevent this.

The Effect of Toxins On The Dog

Blood tests may be carried out to assess this, though this will depend on how your pet is responding to its treatment. Visits to your veterinary neurologist might also be needed during b-ttransportation treatment, so that they can assess your pet’s progress. The condition is not caused by an infection, and it is not contagious, so your dog can’t pass it on to other pets or people.