Dexamethasone is a type of steroid used in both human and veterinary medicine. There are many possible uses, but most importantly it is used to relieve inflammation in the body. When used carefully, this medication can provide relief from a variety of illnesses, but it must be used exactly as directed to avoid serious side effects.
What does dexamethasone do?
Dexamethasone is a synthetic steroid hormone called glucocorticoids and is used primarily for its anti-inflammatory properties. Steroids conjure up images of beefy bodybuilders. These steroids belong to the anabolic group and are used to build muscle in the body. Dexamethasone is a catabolic steroid that can lead to metabolic breakdown of muscle. Just like humans, a dog’s body has naturally occurring hormones such as cortisol. Dexamethasone is about 25 times stronger than cortisol.
Using dexamethasone in a dog prevents the body from producing a typical inflammatory response. A dog’s body responds with its natural inflammatory process, but this can range from very mild inflammatory reactions such as itchy skin to anaphylaxis. As a steroid, it is very long-lasting compared to other steroids commonly prescribed in veterinary medicine such as prednisone. A single dose can last for three days in your dog’s body.
Diseases/problems that can be treated with dexamethasone
There are a variety of diseases for which dexamethasone is used to treat or as an additional treatment. Dexamethasone can be used to treat anaphylaxis following an insect bite or the rare vaccine reaction, spinal cord injuries, immune-mediated diseases such as immune-mediated hemolytic anemia and lupus, and to treat some types of cancer.
Steroids have long been used to treat skin conditions where the itching is too unbearable for a dog to endure without resorting to raw itching. Dexamethasone may still be prescribed for some skin treatments or serious ear infections, but typically this is for a very short duration as there are medications that control itching in dogs, such as Apoquel, without the systemic effects of a steroid.
For treatment, it can be given as an injection, orally, or even as drops to treat eye inflammation. Most often, dexamethasone is not used as a standalone treatment for a disease, but rather as part of a treatment plan.
Side effects of using dexamethasone
With any steroid, the most common side effect can be increased hunger, increased thirst, and increased urination. If a dog is taking dexamethasone, make sure the water bowl is full and that they go potty regularly! This may be one of those moments where your puppy has a reason to beg at the table more.
Although dexamethasone produces wonderful results, it should be used very carefully. Chronic long-term use or inappropriate use of a long-acting steroid such as dexamethasone can cause severe hormonal and metabolic changes. Because they have such a strong effect on inflammation, they can suppress a dog’s natural immune response in the long term. A weakened immune system has a harder time fighting off even minor viral or bacterial infections. Dexamethasone can also cause or worsen stomach ulcers. Never give your dog a dose of leftover steroid medication just because it was prescribed in the past. Always have your pet re-examined, even if it is for a recurring illness such as a bad ear infection.
If you are concerned about possible side effects, always discuss medication options with your veterinarian. There may be other medications that are just as effective for certain conditions but have fewer serious side effects. It is always important to tell the vet what medications your dog is currently taking. Some types of medications cannot be given together. For example, Rimadyl, a widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is very dangerous when administered concurrently with dexamethasone or other steroids.
Considerations before using dexamethasone in dogs
Dexamethasone is a great drug because of its long-lasting effects, but because of its powerful effect on the body, veterinarians rarely pick it up from the drug shelf for the first time. Using the list of side effects, can you closely monitor your dog to see if any occur? The medication’s dosage schedule may also be different than other medications you have given your dog in the past. You may only give your dog dexamethasone every other day or longer. Additionally, when you stop the medication, a very gradual weaning process occurs, so your dog’s body will not be disturbed by the sudden stopping of the steroid.