The Awful Deadly Truth About Steroid Use For Dogs
Is your dog taking steroids for just about any conditions like allergic reactions, immune diseases, inflammation from arthritis, intestinal inflammation and stomach, or a host of various other issues that steroids are given to the pets of ours?
Did you know of the awful side effects these drugs are able to lead to, sometimes turning deadly? The most regular unwanted effect in dogs is greater thirst. Unwanted side effects of anti-inflammatory steroids can be numerous. In dogs and less in cats, the normally seen unwanted side effects include an increased greed and appetite, followed by an increased urine production, along with potential industry gain. Glucocorticoid medications (steroids with the big name) have an effect the human body defenses, in a way that dogs that are taking these pills at higher doses, especially those on longer term prescriptions might develop infections with less difficulty. This can lead to conditions such as cystitis (bladder infection), whereby bacteria infect the bladder lining, so the irritation ensuing from this can lead to an urge to go that can come on abruptly & leave no time to gracefully exit on the property for an effective urination.
Other very common side effects of glucocorticoid medicines are panting and extra weight. Less common are negative effects on adrenal glands as well as the liver. The potential for liver and adrenal modifications are well-recognized. Sometimes mood alterations can occur. These mood changes can make the dog irritable and quite often might bring about a “nice” dog abruptly snapping at its owners.
Long lasting use of steroids (usually over a period of months), could perhaps induce internal changes to the clients body, resulting in an over-production of the patient’s cortisol (patient’s very own body steroid) production. This condition, referred to as Cushing’s disease, can easily necessitate the demand for precise treatment. Skin lesions are able to happen in pets with over-production of cortisol, which may lead to hair loss, or perhaps white, angry, patches of skin that form scabs over time, or cause a thickening of skin in the affected area.
Some of the more commonly used drugs from this class include Prednisone, Prednisolone, Medrol, Dexamethasone, and Triamcinolone.
Usdi’s Story
We’re reminded of the story of Usdi, a beautiful beagle, who lived for only nine years, when she should have lived a whole lot of longer. This unfortunate dog was the target of overuse of steroids. Usdi produced skin allergies. She was first taken to the vet with this issue at about age 2. It was a continuing problem for her. And she was routinely given Vetalog – a steroid – over the next seven years. By the time Usdi had passed the point of no return, she was suffering not only from Diabetes, But Not the Reps – site, breathing difficulties, heart disease, unexplained weight gain, most likely kidney and liver failure and perhaps Cushings illness.