Cortisone medications are likewise called glucocordicoids and corticosteroids. They are typically used for dogs with Addison’s disease, osteochondrosis, extreme arthritis and allergic reactions. They work by helping to reduce inflammation, which in turn helps to lower pain. Cortisone is a synthetic medication that simulates the natural hormonal agent cortisol, and can only be bought with a vet’s prescription.
Types
Cortisone medications been available in oral tablets and injections. Tablets can be offered one to 3 times a day, depending upon your veterinarian’s suggestions.
Liver Problems
With long-lasting use, there is a slight opportunity of liver damage. Any dog on cortisone medications needs to take liver functioning tests.
Generic Names
Cortisone medications are a family of drugs. Particular generic drug names include prednisone, betamethasone, cortisone acetate, dexamethasone and hydrocortisone.
Cortisone Dosage and Administration
Cortisone is only available by prescription, so your veterinarian will have to figure out a suitable dose based upon the condition being treated, your dog’s size, his case history and the seriousness of the symptoms.
Oral types of the medication are thought about safer than injectable kinds, but injections may be preferable for dealing with joint issues and arthritis.
Cortisone can cause a number of essential side effects (more on these below), so it is typically used for the briefest duration possible. Your veterinarian will usually start by administering reasonably high dosages of the medication to halt the unpleasant symptoms rapidly, and then she or he will taper the dosage down until the minimum effective dose is determined.
Cortisone Side Effects in Dogs
Regardless of its effectiveness and worth in dealing with a number of medical problems, cortisone can cause a list of side effects. Some of the most typical side effects take place relatively quickly, while others just appear after long-term use.
A few of the most common short-term side effects consist of:
– Poor resistance to bacterial, fungal, and viral infections
– Increased thirst and water usage
– Frequent urination
– Increased appetite and food consumption
– Reduced energy level
– Weight gain
– Panting
– Nausea
– Vomiting
Caution
Never ever provide human cortisone medications to your dog. They will be far too strong for a dog and will get him sick.
