In this article on our site we will talk about dexamethasone in dogs. Being a drug that is found in the home medicine cabinets of many homes, not a few caregivers decide on their own to administer it to the dog if they think they are suffering from an allergic episode or detect any inflammation. The contraindications and side effects that we review below give an idea of the risk of this decision. For this reason, we insist on the importance of restricting the use of medications to only those prescribed by the veterinarian.
Keep reading and discover everything you need to know about dexamethasone for dogs, its uses, its side effects and much more.
What is dexamethasone?
Dexamethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid that is derived from cortisol. It stands out for its anti-inflammatory effect, but it's not the only one. It is not a drug that can be given without veterinary control, since it affects the body in multiple ways, so it must be administered with care, monitoring and gradual withdrawal in cases in which its consumption has been prolonged. The effects of dexamethasone are as follows:
- Increases glucose and amino acids in the blood and glycogen in the liver.
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Antiallergic.
- Immunodepressant, affecting the production of antibodies.
- It affects ACTH, which is the hormone that controls cortisol production.
Dexamethasone for dogs is marketed in different presentations, such as injectable intramuscularly, intravenously or intraarticularly, which is usually administered by the veterinarian in the clinic. There are also dexamethasone tablets that can be taken by mouth. Dexamethasone in dogs works quickly, in just a few minutes if injected. It is excreted in urine and bile.
Uses of dexamethasone in dogs
Dexamethasone is indicated for different inflammatory and allergic processes It can also be prescribed in case of trauma or when the dog is in a state of shock or circulatory collapse. Dexamethasone is aimed at improving symptoms, not curing, so the veterinarian must diagnose and complete the treatment in each case. It is basically used to reduce inflammation, an allergic reaction or excessive activity of the immune system, but it has multiple effects on the body.
To identify an allergic reaction, don't miss this article: "Allergies in dogs - Symptoms and treatment".
Dexamethasone dose in dogs
The dose of dexamethasone for dogs will depend on the weight of the animal and the presentation of the drug chosen by the veterinarian. In addition, it must be taken into account that there is a range from higher to lower effective and safe dose. That is why it is so important that the veterinarian, depending on the specific situation of each dog, be the one who establishes the dose, since it will vary according to the diagnosis.
As an example, dexamethasone injection 2 mg per ml can be administered at a rate of 0.05-0.2 mg per kg of body weight in a single dose. Given the multiple and potentially serious side effects of dexamethasone, for longer or medium-term treatments, the veterinarian will seek the minimum and effective dose in order to reduce these inconveniences.
Contraindications of dexamethasone in dogs
There are some circumstances where dexamethasone is not the most appropriate drug for the dog, or at least should be handled with caution. Don't forget the importance of using dexamethasone only if your vet has prescribed it for you. The cases in which dexamethasone in dogs is contraindicated are the following:
- Diabetes mellitus, as it works as an insulin antagonist.
- Chronic nephritis, which is inflammation of the kidney.
- Renal insufficiency.
- Heart failure.
- Osteoporosis.
- Active viral infections.
- Systemic infections caused by fungi.
- Bacterial infections without established treatment.
- Gastrointestinal ulcers.
- Corneal ulcers.
- Demodicosis or demodectic mange.
- Immunosupression, by reducing the immune response.
- Gestación, since it could affect the puppies and cause malformations, miscarriages, premature births, birth complications, fetal death, retained placenta or uterine inflammation.
- Breastfeeding, as production may decrease.
- Vaccination. You have to wait two weeks after vaccination before administering dexamethasone.
- Of course, it should not be given to dogs with an allergy to this drug.
In addition, if our dog is already taking any medication and the veterinarian does not know it, we must inform him, as interactions between drugs could occur. Finally, dexamethasone is sometimes used as an emergency resource, even in animals that, in principle, should not be treated with it. This decision is the exclusive responsibility of the veterinarian, who will assess the advantages and disadvantages of administration.
Dexamethasone Side Effects in Dogs
Normally, a single dose of dexamethasone does not usually produce adverse effects, but prolonged treatments are related to the appearance of problems, even serious ones. Thus, dexamethasone can cause iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism, better known as Cushing's syndrome, during and after its administration. But there are other side effects, such as the following:
- Polyuria, which is an increase in the amount of urine passed.
- Polydipsia, which is increased water intake.
- Polyphagia or increased food consumption.
- Fluid retention, especially if the treatment is prolonged.
- Gastrointestinal ulcers.
- Increased liver enzymes and liver size.
- Transient hyperglycemia, which is a rise in blood glucose.
- Delayed wound healing.
- Weaken defenses.
- Infections worsening.
For all these reasons, we insist that dexamethasone for dogs should only be administered under veterinary prescription.
