Glucocorticoid therapy in dogs and cats

Glucocorticoids are among the most frequently used drugs in veterinary meditine. They can exert a wide range of biological effects after binding with specific receptors widely distributed throughout the body. The effects of glucocorticoids are dose-dependent, and they are classified according to their potency in relation to the potency of Cortisol and the duration of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression. Glucocorticoids are used to reduce the processes that are activated in response to a disease. The anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive doses are variable in dogs and cats, due to a lower sensitivity to glucocorticoids in the feline species. Adverse effects are common with glucocorticoid therapy, in particular if the protocol includes high doses and/ or long-term application. Tapering of the glucocorticoid dose should always be done if the therapeutic protocols was longer than or equal to two weeks, or if high doses have been used.