Dexamethasone for dogs is a cortisonewhich is used, among other things, in dogs with existing allergies.
As cortisone, it has some side effects, which we will go into more detail in the following guide.
In addition, the following lines will tell you everything you need to know about application and dosage.
Dexamethasone for dogs: what is it and what is it used for?
Dexamethasone for dogs is one of those glucocorticoids and thus to cortisone. It is used with fur noses, especially with the following problems:
Dexamethasone can also be a drug that works effectively for acute inflammation of the ears and eyes.
In addition, cortisone, which is actually one of the steroids with a medium-long duration of action, can also be used as a drug in shock therapy.
Dexamethasone may be necessary in the event of anaphylactic shock, among other things. This, in turn, can be a side effect of another veterinary medicine.
Important
A necessary shock therapy with dexamethasone can be the case with the Addisonian crisis. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
The cortisone is usually administered intravenously, i.e. with an injection. But there are also some veterinary medicines that contain the active ingredient and are in tablet form.
Proper use and dosage of dexamethasone in dogs
The correct dosage of dexamethasone in the dog depends on its weight and is 2.5 to 5 mg per kilogram of body weight.
Dogs are given dexamethasone between 2x and 6x daily.
Important
Never treat your dog with cortisone yourself – not even with dexamethasone! Only the veterinarian decides whether dexamethasone is necessary.
How quickly does dexamethasone work in dogs and how long does the therapy last?
Especially with an injection of dexamethasone in the dog, the effect begins already after a few minutes.
It usually takes a little longer when you give a pill. But here, too, a rapid effect should be recognizable.
How long the therapy with dexamethasone lasts depends on the type of disease present.
Here are some guidelines that apply to treatment with dexamethasone in dogs:
- Meningitis (intravenous): 7 to 10 days, 2x daily
- Hydrocephalus (oral): between 4 and 7 days, 2x daily
Treatment with dexamethasone is often accompanied by another cortisone, including prednisolone.
What side effects can dexamethasone cause in dogs?
Side effects that may occur from treatment with dexamethasone in dogs include, but are not limited to Intestinal problems and kidney dysfunction.
Long-term therapy with dexamethasone in dogs can even lead to Cushing’s syndrome – in this case to so-called exogenous Cushing’s syndrome.
Furthermore, the following side effects can be caused by dexamethasone in dogs:
- Disturbances in the electrolyte balance (potassium deficiency)
- disorders of the immune system
These are side effects that can occur, especially with long-term therapy.
The list of side effects can be expanded to include the following:
- muscle breakdown
- Polyuria & Polydipsia
- behavioral changes
- Increased risk of infections
- Changes in skin & coat
- Increased risk of diabetes mellitus
- Gastrointestinal bleeding & ulcers
Cortisone can help in the short term and is sometimes unavoidable. However, the possible long-term consequences are anything but pleasant.
You don’t have to worry if cortisone is only given for a few weeks.
Then there is no risk of long-term damage to your dog. The same also applies if cortisone is only used for a few days.
When should I not use dexamethasone on my dog?
An application of dexamethasone in the dog fails if the fur nose suffer from liver and/or kidney dysfunction.
The presence of the so-called Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) also rules out treatment with dexamethasone.
The same applies if the dog has a food allergy and also if the fur nose has been shown to be sensitive to the cortisone.
Dexamethasone should not be administered even if the immune system is weak. The reason for this is that it has an immunosuppressive effect.
Where is dexamethasone for dogs available?
You can get dexamethasone for dogs only from your veterinarian or in a pharmacy.
Like all cortisone, the active ingredient is one of the prescription drugs.
The prices you can expect depend on the type of application as well as the manufacturer.
What alternatives are there to dexamethasone for dogs?
An alternative to dexamethasone for dogs can include the cortisone Prednisolone for dogs be.
Hydrocortisone can also be used as an alternative to dexamethasone in dogs, depending on the disease and its severity.
Your veterinarian will decide which cortisone or medication is the right one.
He also knows best whether there are therapeutic approaches for your dog that are not based on cortisone.
Has your dog ever had to be treated with dexamethasone? What experiences has he had? We would be happy if you share your experiences with us in the comments.