Dexamethasone is a well-known drug used in both human and veterinary medicine. Its presence in home medicine cabinets encourages some keepers to give it to their cats in situations where they would use it themselves. But it's a serious mistake
In this article on our site we will explain all the contraindications and side effects that dexamethasone can have in cats. Hence the importance of limiting its use to the recommendations of the veterinarian.
What is dexamethasone?
Dexamethasone is a known synthetic glucocorticoid that is derived from cortisol and is capable of maintaining a prolonged action. It stands out for its anti-inflammatory power. Among other effects, it causes an increase in blood glucose and liver glycogen, decreases the vascular reaction that causes inflammation, inhibits the release of histamine or ACTH, and reduces the production of antibodies. It is a drug that contributes to the improvement of the clinical signs that the cat shows more than to its cure. That is why the veterinarian will prescribe other drugs and measures aimed at combating the cause of his illness.
When administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly is absorbed very rapidly, within minutes, and is distributed throughout the tissues. It is excreted in urine and bile. Dexamethasone in cats can be found in injectable format or in chewable tablets.
Uses of dexamethasone in cats
Dexamethasone, as we have mentioned, stands out for its anti-inflammatory effect, but also antiallergic and immunosuppressive. For this reason it is used, above all, in the following cases:
- Inflammatory processes.
- Allergies.
- Trauma.
- Shock and circulatory collapse.
It can also be used on joints, which means its practical immobilization for one month and the impossibility of performing surgery for two.
Dexamethasone dosage in cats
The dose of dexamethasone can only be determined by the veterinarian, since the disease of the cat, its condition, its weight, as well as the format of the chosen drug must be taken into account. As an example, if you opt for injectable dexamethasone, which can be administered intramuscularly, intravenously or intra-articularly, the dose would be 0.1-0.3 mg for each kg of body weight
As you can see, the manufacturer recommends a range of doses that they believe to be safe and effective. Only the veterinary professional, we insist, can decide the right one for our cat. It will search as long as it is as low as possible and for the shortest time, maintaining its beneficial effect. For this reason, the veterinarian often has to adjust the dosage. Finally, it is recommended to administer in the afternoon.
Contraindications of dexamethasone in cats
Although there are some cases in which it is not advisable to bet on dexamethasone, the decision whether or not to administer it will depend exclusively on the veterinarian. In cases such as those described below, its use is not recommended, but if the animal is in an emergency situation, it is very possible that the professional considers your administration. They are as follows:
- Immunodepression.
- Mellitus diabetes.
- Chronic nephritis, which is an inflammation of the kidney.
- Renal insufficiency.
- Heart failure.
- Osteoporosis.
- Diseases caused by viruses when they are active in the blood.
- Systemic infections caused by fungi.
- Pathologies of bacterial origin if the cat is not receiving the corresponding antibiotic treatment.
- Ulcers both at the gastrointestinal level and on the cornea.
- Glaucoma, a serious eye disease.
- Demodicosis, which is a parasitic disease caused by the Demodex mite.
- Burns.
- Fractures, joint infections caused by bacteria or bone necrosis advise against its intra-articular administration.
- Cats in gestation, as it could cause malformations in fetuses, abortions, premature or difficult births, death of kittens, retained placentas or metritis, which is inflammation of the uterus. It can also affect milk production during lactation.
- Very old, malnourished or hypertensive cats. On the other hand, it has an effect on growth, hence the caution with younger specimens.
- Of course, if we suspect or know that the cat is allergic to dexamethasone.
In addition, it is important to consider the interaction that can occur between dexamethasone and other medicationsThat is why we must always inform the veterinarian of any drug that we are giving the cat, if he is not aware of it. For example, due to the immunosuppressive effect of dexamethasone, it cannot be combined with vaccines or given within two weeks of vaccination. It also interacts with insulin.
Dexamethasone Side Effects in Cats
Dexamethasone use can cause Cushing's syndrome, also known as iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism. It is a disease that triggers symptoms such as weight gain, weakness, loss of muscle mass or osteoporosis. To try to avoid it, at the end of the treatment it is recommended to withdraw dexamethasone gradually It is also tried to avoid its prolonged use to minimize the risks. On the other hand, it is relatively easy and quick to appreciate signs such as the following when the drug is administered systemically:
- Polyuria, which is an increase in the amount of urine passed.
- Polydipsia or increased water intake.
- Polyphagia, which implies a high consumption of food.
- Hypokalemia, which is a decrease in potassium levels in the blood, especially in cats treated with diuretics that promote potassium excretion.
- Calcinosis cutis, a skin disease caused by an abnormal deposit of calcium in the subcutaneous tissue.
- Gastrointestinal ulcers, especially if used at the same time as an NSAID.
- Possible delayed wound healing.
- In some cases, fluid retention.
- Enlargement of the liver, which is known as hepatomegaly. Liver enzymes will also increase.
- Pancreatitis.
- Hyperglycemia, which is a blood glucose value above what is considered normal.
