Slacktony
You may have heard the term “corticosteroid” thrown around in medical circles before. It turns out that corticosteroids are used in veterinary medicine as well as in human healthcare. The truth is, these medications are indispensable tools in your veterinarian’s Lakewood Ranch, FL arsenal when it comes to treatment.
Read on as your vet Lakewood Ranch, FL tells you more about corticosteroids for pets.
What is a corticosteroid?
A corticosteroid is a powerful hormone medication that can affect many bodily functions. In veterinary medicine, they serve two main purposes. One, they can reduce inflammation and irritation around the body. Secondly, corticosteroids can suppress the immune system’s response to certain stimuli. Talk to your veterinarian Lakewood Ranch, FL for further details.
Common corticosteroids used in veterinary medicine include prednisone, hydrocortisone, betamethasone, dexamethasone, and triamcinolone. Your pet clinic Lakewood Ranch, FL can tell you more about each of these medications if your pet is prescribed one.
What do corticosteroids treat?
As mentioned above, corticosteroids are often used to treat inflammation. Inflammation itself can result from many things. Allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, skin rash, asthma… the list goes on. Talk to your veterinary clinic Lakewood Ranch, FL about a corticosteroid if your pet has inflammation or irritation.
Corticosteroids can also suppress the immune system’s natural response to substances that are harmful, or those that are perceived as harmful. So, autoimmune diseases are often treated with corticosteroids. Lupus, masticatory myositis, and immune-mediated hemolytic anemia are just a few examples. In these cases, corticosteroids are often the only course of treatment that has any impact. Learn more about these diseases and how corticosteroids help by calling your vet clinic Lakewood Ranch, FL.
Is there a possibility of side effects?
One of the drawbacks of corticosteroid use is that it tends to come with some side effects. Minor symptoms like increased thirst, excessive urination, panting, increased appetite, and anxiety or excitability could occur. Your local animal hospital Lakewood Ranch, FL will be there every step of the way to make sure your pet is staying healthy.
If corticosteroids are used improperly or for too long, other serious problems can occur. Stomach and intestinal ulcers could develop, and prolonged corticosteroid use could lead to muscle weakness, liver disease, diabetes, and other complications. That’s why it’s important to work closely with your vet Lakewood Ranch, FL to ensure your pet is taking corticosteroids the right way.
Note that corticosteroid use cannot be suddenly stopped, as this could result in more health problems. Corticosteroid use must be tapered off gradually over time. Weaning your pet off the medication in this manner ensures their health and safety. Your veterinarian Lakewood Ranch, FL can tell you more.
If you think your pet is reacting poorly to a corticosteroid or any kind of medication, let your qualified pet clinic Lakewood Ranch, FL know. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
How can I learn more about corticosteroids for pets?
If you would like to learn more about corticosteroids for pets and how they can help our animal friends, you’re in luck. Contact the professionals at your animal hospital Lakewood Ranch, FL. We will help you understand all the ins and outs of your pet’s medication regimen and what they need to stay healthy.
