"Dexamethasone" for cats: instructions for use and reviews

Hormonal preparations with a terrible name for corticosteroids in veterinary medicine are used quite often. And it can be either a perfectly valid appointment or blind adherence to a standard scheme, which will not always be optimal. We do not call on ourselves to treat a sick pet, but we just want to consider in what cases "Dexamethasone" is prescribed for cats.

What it is

The spectrum of action in this drug is very wide. "Dexamethasone" for cats is prescribed quite often. It is a synthetic hormone of the adrenal cortex. Assign simply just in case it can not, because this way imbalance is introduced into the endocrine system of the body. The drug is used to correct the inflammatory reaction. It is an effective antiallergic, antishock agent. "Dexamethasone" for cats can be prescribed in the form of tablets or injections. You can buy it in a regular or veterinary pharmacy.

general characteristics

Speaking about correction of inflammatory processes, first of all we remember antibiotics. But not always they are able to help. But just "Dexamethasone" for cats is a powerful anti-inflammatory drug, ten times stronger than Cortisol and Prenizone. As an independent tool it is used extremely rarely, but as part of complex therapy is perfectly suitable for the treatment of otitis, conjunctivitis and eczema. The list of diseases is not limited to this, so let's take a closer look at this.

pharmachologic effect

We would like to raise this issue before we proceed to the diseases in which "Dexamethasone" is prescribed for cats. The manual describes the mechanism in detail, but it is practically useless for a person without medical education to read it. Speaking humanly, this drug is a substitute for the natural hormone, cortisol. It acts depressingly on the immune system and blocks the synthesis of substances that cause inflammatory responses and an immune response. This allows you to remove allergic reactions and begin adequate treatment. However, the veterinarian should be very well aware of what he wants to achieve by prescribing this drug. If there is no clear answer to this question, then it should be delayed with the appointment.

Indications for use

Adrenal insufficiency is the very case when it is necessary to assign "Dexamethasone" to a cat. Dosage is selected individually, but there are standard schemes, which we will consider below.

With rheumatoid arthritis, arthrosis and other joint diseases, this drug is often prescribed. And in an independent form it is powerless, and as part of complex therapy it helps to restore cartilaginous tissue and relieve pain.

Allergic reactions of unknown etiology is another diagnosis, in which "Dexamethasone" is often prescribed. Cases are prescribed to cats much more often, since they act faster than tablets, and often have fewer side effects. Among the diseases in which this drug is successfully prescribed is systemic lupus erythematosus, an allergic reaction and even anaphylactic shock. However, this is not a complete list. Asthma, dermatitis and diseases of the nervous system are successfully adjusted with the help of "Dexamethasone".

Systemic diseases

Allergic reactions are more or less clear. The drug inhibits the response of the immune system to a specific stimulus and in parallel removes all associated reactions. However, "Dexamethasone" treatment of cats also acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory drug. Therefore, systemic inflammation and various bowel diseases, nephrotoxic syndrome and inflammatory diseases of the heart are also treated with great success with this medication.

Care should be taken

In diseases of the cardiovascular system, it is extremely important to prescribe adequate treatment, but we must not forget that this drug can do harm. It causes sodium retention in the body. In turn, this leads to fluid retention and edema. Therefore, if the veterinarian talks about heart disease and appoints "Dexamethasone", it is advisable to get additional advice from another specialist. In cardiology, the drug is prescribed only under the supervision of a cardiologist.

Discuss further the advisability of using this medication if your pet has diabetes mellitus, Cushing's syndrome, hypertension and chronic heart failure. With ulcerative bowel disease, kidney disease and pregnancy, further examinations are necessary.

Side effects

In overdose or misdiagnosis, the drug can lead to a number of side effects, both minor and deadly. This may be an increase in convulsive activity, frequent urination and increased susceptibility to viral and bacterial infections. Dyspnoea, vomiting and diarrhea can develop rapidly. In the distant future against the background of treatment develops a peptic ulcer of the stomach and intestines, lethargy.

Dosing and Administration

Most often, the drug is given in injections. It is very convenient that it is enough to introduce 0.5 ml, and this amount will retain a therapeutic effect for 7 days. In a week, you can repeat the introduction of the drug, but only after consulting with your doctor.

In some cases, the veterinarian may decide to prescribe the oral form of the drug "Dexamethasone" - tablets. Cats can be difficult to force to take them, but this is how you can ensure the intake of the minimum amount of the drug in the body for a certain time. Usually, treatment begins with a daily intake of 3-5 days, and then the dose gradually decreases twice a week until the minimum level giving a therapeutic effect is reached. This approach allows you to completely avoid unwanted effects.

Judging by the reviews of veterinarians, this drug is a real rescue in a number of cases, but you need to know how to use it. Therefore, do not self-medicate, but contact specialists.