Steroid Treatment for Cats – Effects on Cats

Cat owners often face the decision of whether to give their pets steroids. Steroids are usually prescribed to control allergic reactions, pain, and inflammation. However, there are important questions that cat owners need to know about steroid medications.

Steroid Treatment in Cats – Effect and Considerations

Steroids: What are they?

Steroids, or corticosteroids, are hormones synthesized by the adrenal glands. They are necessary for the cat’s body to maintain balance and normal functioning of many systems. When natural hormone levels are insufficient or when specific conditions require regulation, steroids may be prescribed. These substances are involved in regulating immunity, metabolic processes, and responses to stressful situations, as well as helping to control inflammation and mineral levels in the blood. In veterinary practice, corticosteroids are often used to treat cats.

The adrenal glands produce two types of these hormones:

• Glucocorticoids (cortisol). They affect the body’s use of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and also suppress inflammatory processes in various ways.
• Mineralocorticoids (aldosterone). Their function is to retain sodium in the kidneys, which helps maintain a stable balance of water and electrolytes in the body.

What are the reasons for prescribing corticosteroids?

Corticosteroids are important drugs due to their ability to reduce inflammatory processes. They are most often prescribed for mild forms of inflammation or to manage allergy-related reactions. When used in high doses, these drugs can suppress the immune system, acting as immunosuppressants and preventing excessive immune responses.

The vast majority of corticosteroids in medicine are synthetic analogues of natural hormones. These include prednisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone, triamcinolone, and methylprednisolone. They act more strongly and last longer than that of hormones produced naturally in the body. That is why therapy with these drugs must be carried out under strict control, as their high effectiveness can be accompanied by serious side effects.

For many years, corticosteroids have played a key role in the treatment of both people and animals. They are included in the treatment regimens for many serious and life-threatening diseases. With proper dosing and appropriate monitoring, the risks remain minimal, and the benefits of their use significantly outweigh the possible complications.

What adverse reactions can occur when using corticosteroids?

Medications in this group can affect a cat’s body in both the short and long term. Side effects vary in severity and manifestation. It is important to understand that these drugs should only be used under strict veterinary supervision.

The most common short-term side effects

These appear shortly after the start of therapy and depend directly on the type of drug and the prescribed dose. Typical reactions include:

• increased thirst and more frequent urination;
• increased appetite;
• lethargy and decreased overall activity;
• susceptibility to infections, especially bacterial skin infections;
• periodic bouts of nausea or vomiting (rare).

In cats with an increased risk of diabetes, treatment with steroids can lead to the onset trigger of this disease. However, in most cases, the condition normalizes after discontinuation of the drug.

To minimize unwanted effects, your veterinarian may reduce the dosage, decrease the frequency of administration, or select a different type of corticosteroid. The main goal of treatment is to achieve effective control of the disease while using the smallest amount of medication possible to avoid serious complications.

Long-term use of corticosteroids and its consequences

In some cases, diseases or chronic conditions require long-term steroid therapy at anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive doses. If treatment continues for more than three to four months, especially at high doses, additional complications may arise.

The most common side effects are:

– Urinary tract infections (UTIs). These are reported in about one-third of patients. Due to the suppression of inflammation, the animal may not show the usual symptoms, such as pain or discomfort. Therefore, regular bacteriological examination of urine is often the only way to detect an infection in a timely manner.

• Skin and coat changes. The skin becomes thin, black spots appear, and the coat thins or grows poorly.
• Healing problems. Any wounds heal more slowly than usual.
• Obesity. A constant feeling of hunger causes weight gain.
• Muscle weakness. This is caused by the breakdown of proteins, leading to loss of strength.
• Skin calcification. The formation of hard nodules or spots due to calcium deposits in the tissues.
• Secondary infections. The body becomes more vulnerable to bacterial and opportunistic pathogens.
• Fungal diseases. The nasal cavity is particularly often affected.
• Diabetes. Long-term treatment can trigger the development of diabetes mellitus.

Thus, although steroids have great therapeutic value, their long-term use requires close veterinary supervision and regular check-ups.

Cushing’s disease

If too many corticosteroids accumulate in the body, Cushing’s disease may develop. In cats, this often occurs with prolonged treatment with high doses of glucocorticoids. This condition is called iatrogenic Cushing’s disease because it is caused by medications.

The main symptoms of this disease include:

• excessive thirst and frequent urination;
• recurrent urinary tract infections;
• skin or ear infections;
• a rounded, “pot-bellied” abdomen;
• thinning skin and hair loss.

In some cases, when steroids are unavoidable, the development of such side effects is almost inevitable. However, veterinarians try to reduce the likelihood of this complication by gradually reducing the dosage or combining corticosteroids with other types of drugs to achieve a therapeutic effect with less risk to the animal.

Reduce the likelihood of adverse reactions

Most animals tolerate steroid treatment well if certain rules are followed. Here are some basic tips:

• Do not use steroids daily unless absolutely necessary. Long-term daily use is only justified in cases of serious immune-mediated diseases that are life-threatening. In standard treatment regimens, daily administration is only practiced at the beginning of therapy. If the drug is prescribed for itching or joint pain, the best option is to give it every other day. If it seems that a daily dose is necessary, you should inform your veterinarian: they may change the regimen or suggest other medications.
• Long-term treatment requires review. If therapy lasts more than three to four months, discuss the possibility of replacing or adjusting the treatment with your doctor.
• Regular monitoring is mandatory. Cats receiving steroids for a long time should be examined every three months and have blood and urine tests at least once every six months.

Corticosteroids can indeed save lives and improve the quality of life for cats with chronic diseases. However, the safety of such treatment directly depends on close cooperation with your veterinarian. If you have any questions or concerns about the therapy, discuss them with your doctor to ensure the best possible care for your pet.

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