Hormonal drugs with the terrible name corticosteroids in veterinary medicine are used quite often. Moreover, this can be either a completely justified purpose or blindly following the standard scheme, which will not always be optimal. We do not call for the treatment of a sick pet on our own, but only want to consider in which cases “Dexamethasone” is prescribed for cats.
What it is
The spectrum of action of this drug is very wide. Dexamethasone for cats is prescribed quite often. It is a synthetic hormone of the adrenal cortex. It can’t be prescribed just in case, since an imbalance is introduced into the endocrine system of the body. The drug is used to correct the inflammatory reaction. It is an effective anti-allergic, anti-shock agent. Dexamethasone for cats may be given in the form of tablets or injections. You can buy it at a regular or veterinary pharmacy.
general characteristics
Speaking about the correction of inflammatory processes, first of all we recall antibiotics. But they are not always able to help. But just “Dexamethasone” for cats is a powerful anti-inflammatory drug, ten times more powerful than “Cortisol” and “Prenisone”. As an independent tool, it is used extremely rarely, but as part of complex therapy, it is excellent for the treatment of otitis media, conjunctivitis and eczema. The list of diseases is not limited to this, so let's dwell on this in a little more detail.
pharmachologic effect
We would like to raise this issue before we move on to the diseases in which Dexamethasone for cats is prescribed. The instruction describes the mechanism in detail, however, for a person without a medical education, reading it is practically useless. Speaking in human language, this drug is a replacement for the natural hormone, cortisol. It inhibits the immune system and blocks the synthesis of substances that cause inflammatory reactions and the immune response. This allows you to remove allergic reactions and begin adequate treatment. However, the veterinarian must have a very good idea of what he wants to achieve with the prescription of this drug. If there is no clear answer to this question, then you should postpone the appointment.
Indications for use
Adrenal insufficiency is the case when it is necessary to prescribe Dexamethasone to the cat. In this case, the dosage is selected individually, however, there are standard schemes, which we will consider a little later.
With rheumatoid arthritis, arthrosis and other joint diseases, this drug is often prescribed. Moreover, in its own form, it is powerless, and as part of complex therapy helps to restore cartilage and relieve pain.
Allergic reactions of unknown etiology are another diagnosis in which Dexamethasone is often prescribed. Cat injections are prescribed much more often, as they act faster than tablets and often have fewer side effects. Among the diseases in which this drug is successfully prescribed is systemic lupus erythematosus, an allergic reaction, and even anaphylactic shock. However, this is not a complete list. Asthma, dermatitis and diseases of the nervous system are successfully corrected using Dexamethasone.
Systemic diseases
With allergic reactions, everything is more or less clear. The drug inhibits the response of the immune system to a specific stimulus and simultaneously removes all associated reactions. However, Dexamethasone in the treatment of cats also acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. Therefore, systemic inflammation and various intestinal diseases, nephrotic syndrome and inflammatory heart diseases are also very successfully treated with this medicine.
Caution should be exercised
For diseases of the cardiovascular system, it is extremely important to prescribe adequate treatment, but we must not forget that this drug can harm. It causes sodium retention in the body. In turn, this leads to fluid retention and swelling. Therefore, if the veterinarian speaks about heart diseases and prescribes "Dexamethasone", then it is advisable to get additional consultation from another specialist. In cardiology, the drug is prescribed only under the supervision of a cardiologist.
Also discuss the appropriateness of using this medication if your pet has diabetes, Cushing's syndrome, hypertension, and chronic heart failure. With peptic ulcer, kidney disease and pregnancy, further examination is necessary.
Side effects
With an overdose or improper prescription, the drug can lead to a number of side effects, both minor and deadly. This may be an increase in convulsive activity, increased urination and increased susceptibility to viral and bacterial infections. Shortness of breath, vomiting, and diarrhea can rapidly develop. In the long term, against the background of treatment, gastric ulcer and intestinal ulcer, lethargy develops.
Dosage and administration
Most often, the drug is prescribed in injections. It is very convenient that it is enough to introduce 0.5 ml, and this amount will maintain a therapeutic effect for 7 days. After a week, you can repeat the introduction of the drug, but only after consultation with your doctor.
In some cases, the veterinarian may decide to prescribe the oral form of Dexamethasone, tablets. It can be difficult to make cats take them, but this is how it is possible to ensure that a minimum amount of the drug is ingested over a period of time. Usually, treatment begins with a daily intake for 3-5 days, and then the dose is gradually reduced twice a week until the minimum level that gives a therapeutic effect is reached. This approach allows you to completely avoid unwanted effects.
Judging by the reviews of veterinarians, this drug is a real salvation in some cases, but you need to know how to use it. Therefore, do not self-medicate, but consult a specialist.