Cortisone medications are also called glucocordicoids and corticosteroids. They are frequently utilized for dogs with Addison’s disease, osteochondrosis, serious arthritis and allergic reactions. They work by helping to minimize inflammation, which in turn helps to minimize pain. Cortisone is an artificial medication that simulates the natural hormone cortisol, and can just be acquired with a vet’s prescription.
Types
Cortisone medications been available in oral tablets and injections. Tablets can be given one to three times a day, depending on your veterinarian’s suggestions.
Liver Problems
With long-term use, there is a small chance of liver damage. Any dog on cortisone medications requires to take liver working tests.
Generic Names
Cortisone medications are a family of drugs. Specific generic drug names consist of prednisone, betamethasone, cortisone acetate, dexamethasone and hydrocortisone.
Cortisone Dosage and Administration
Cortisone is only offered by prescription, so your veterinarian will need to determine a suitable dosage based upon the condition being dealt with, your dog’s size, his case history and the seriousness of the symptoms.
Oral types of the medication are thought about much safer than injectable forms, but injections may be more effective for treating joint issues and arthritis.
Cortisone can cause a variety of essential side effects (more on these below), so it is normally used for the briefest duration possible. Your veterinarian will generally begin by administering relatively high doses of the medication to stop the unpleasant symptoms quickly, and then he or she will taper the dose down up until the minimum reliable dose is determined.
Cortisone Side Effects in Dogs
Despite its efficacy and worth in dealing with numerous medical problems, cortisone can trigger a litany of side effects. A few of the most typical side effects take place fairly rapidly, while others just appear after long-lasting usage.
Some of the most typical short-term side effects include:
– Poor resistance to bacterial, fungal, and viral infections
– Increased thirst and water intake
– Frequent urination
– Increased cravings and food intake
– Reduced energy level
– Weight gain
– Panting
– Nausea
– Vomiting
Caution
Never give human cortisone medications to your dog. They will be far too strong for a dog and will get him ill.
