Corticoids are drugs widely used in veterinary medicine. Its powerful anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects are beneficial, and in many cases necessary, for the treatment of various diseases. However, its use entails the appearance of a series of adverse effects that, although foreseeable, are not avoidable.
Corticosteroids are symptomatic treatments, that is, they are used to control the symptoms associated with certain pathologies, but once the administration of the drug, the underlying pathology may reappear since they do not treat the underlying cause. Although the use of these corticosteroids is essential for the treatment of many pathologies, it is advisable to review the possible alternatives to these drugs in order to limit their use to those situations that require it. Next, in this article on our site, we collect the main alternatives to corticosteroids in dogs
Other anti-inflammatory drugs
Corticosteroids have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, which is why one of the main alternatives is other drugs that also have this effect. Within this group, the Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs stand out, also called NSAIDs. In dogs, some of the most commonly used NSAIDs are meloxicam, carprofen, firocoxib, and robenacoxib.
NSAIDs have a lower anti-inflammatory effect than corticosteroids since they act at a lower level of the inflammation cascade (the so-called "arachidonic acid cascade"). Specifically, they act by inhibiting the enzymes COX-1 and/or COX-2 and, in some cases, the enzyme 5-lipooxygenase.
Although NSAIDs are less powerful anti-inflammatories, they have the advantage that, in parallel to their anti-inflammatory effect, they offer an analgesic, antipyretic, antiplatelet and antiplatelet effect. antirheumatic In addition, it has been shown that they can act as anti-endotoxic, chondroprotective and even anti-carcinogenic. Therefore, NSAIDs can be a good alternative to corticosteroids for the treatment of mild or moderate inflammation that is also accompanied by moderate pain.
When should I substitute NSAIDs for corticosteroids?
Below, we explain the main situations in which the use of NSAIDs can replace the use of corticosteroids in dogs:
- Postoperative treatments: in most surgeries, it is sufficient to start a postoperative treatment with NSAIDs to treat the associated mild or moderate inflammation to the operation. However, some more aggressive surgeries (such as enucleations or some surgeries at the level of the larynx) require a more powerful anti-inflammatory treatment, the administration of corticosteroids being essential.
- Acute inflammations: such as arthritis, colic or post-traumatic processes (due to accidents, falls or dog fights). NSAIDs are especially effective in acute inflammation, since they inhibit the formation of prostaglandins, proinflammatory molecules that are generated in large quantities in acute processes.
- Contraindications of corticosteroids: the use of corticosteroids is contraindicated in various processes, such as infectious diseases, diabetes mellitus, corneal and gastrointestinal ulcers. In animals that suffer from any of these alterations and require anti-inflammatory treatment, the use of NSAIDs should be used as corticosteroids are contraindicated.
The dose of NSAIDs to be given to dogs will depend on the particular drug. In addition, to avoid the side effects associated with the use of these drugs, the veterinarian who establishes treatment with NSAIDs should adjust the dose until the “ minimum effective dose is reached.”. That is, the lowest dose that has an effect on each patient, which may be lower than the recommended dose. This minimum effective dose can vary over time, so it is necessary to carry out periodic reviews to adjust the dose to the patient's needs.
Other immunosuppressive drugs
Corticosteroids administered at high doses have an immunosuppressive effect. They are usually the first drugs used to treat diseases that require immunosuppressive therapy due to their low cost and their rapid and effective effect. However, it is relatively common for dogs that require this type of treatment to respond only to some immunosuppressive drugs or to stop responding to them as treatment progresses. For this reason, it is necessary to have other pharmacological alternatives that allow corticosteroid therapy to be substituted when it is not effective.
Some of the immunosuppressive drugs used in veterinary medicine are azathioprine, cyclosporine, the cyclophosphamide , the mycophenolate mofetil , theleflunomide and danazol The disadvantages of these drugs compared to corticosteroids are, on the one hand, that most of them have a very high cost, and on the other hand, that the effects usually appear later than with corticosteroids. However, in those situations in which corticosteroids are not effective or are contraindicated, this type of drug should be used.
When should I substitute corticosteroids for other immunosuppressants?
Specifically, the situations in which the use of these immunosuppressive drugs can be resorted to are the following:
- Immune-mediated or autoimmune diseases: these are pathologies in which the immune system attacks and destroys the body's own components by recognizing them as foreign. In dogs, some of the most common autoimmune diseases are rheumatoid arthritis, immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, systemic lupus erythematosus, and pemphigus foliaceus. In all these pathologies, immunosuppressive therapy is necessary to reduce the exacerbated response that the immune system produces against the body's own cells.
- Transplants: Similarly, organ transplants also require immunosuppressive treatment to prevent the immune system from acting against the introduction of a foreign organ or tissue.
In any case, immunosuppressive therapies will always be prescribed by a specialist veterinarian, who will select the most appropriate drug for the animal and will detail the dose and therapeutic plan.
Natural anti-inflammatories
In addition to pharmacological treatments, there are also some natural substances or home remedies that can help control some inflammatory processes. Naturally, the anti-inflammatory effect will not be comparable to that produced by corticosteroids, but they can be useful for relieving some inflammatory processes, especially if they are mild.
Among the natural anti-inflammatories suitable for these animals, we can highlight the following as alternatives to corticosteroids in dogs:
- Turmeric: this spice contains curcumin, an active ingredient that has a good anti-inflammatory effect. It can be added to the animal's ration, at a rate of 15-20 milligrams per kg of weight.
- Arnica montana: the root of this plant contains derivatives of thymol, which have an anti-inflammatory effect. It can be found in the form of ointments, for topical administration, or in the form of capsules, for oral administration.
- Omega 3 fatty acids: the easiest way to include these fatty acids in our dog's diet is by adding some oily fish to your ration. However, it can also be provided through nutritional supplements based on fish oil.
- Harpagofito: the root of this plant contains various iridoids (harpagoside, harpagids, procumboside) that provide good analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. It is especially useful for treating arthritis.
- Cold (cryotherapy): can be used in acute inflammation thanks to its local anti-inflammatory effect (by vasoconstriction and reduction of metabolism). It can be applied using ice packs or cold compresses.
Remember that to select the best alternative to corticosteroids in dogs it is necessary to have the advice of a professional, after having evaluated the specific case of your dog.
