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Dexamethasone is a potent corticosteroid and immunosuppressant that treats an assortment of conditions, including inflammation, allergic reactions, arthritis, and cerebral edema. Vets sometimes use this medication as a diagnostic tool for dogs suspected to have Cushing’s disease.
Dexamethasone is available in 5 forms: oral tablets, liquid suspensions, eye drops and ointments, and injectable formulas for use in clinical settings. Tablets come in several dosages ranging from 0.25 mg to 6 mg. The exact dosage a pet needs depends on the condition. A dog taking dexamethasone for mild inflammation typically only needs 0.1 mg to 0.3 mg per lb. When using dexamethasone to suppress a canine’s immune response, vets prescribe a higher dosage, generally 1 to 3 mg per lb.
The cost of dexamethasone depends on the form and dosage strength. Generic tablets cost as little as 25¢ per tablet. The injectable solution ranges from $15 to $44 for a 2 mg/ml dosage and a 4 mg/ml dosage respectively. A 15 ml bottle of eye drops costs $30 on average. Eye ointment costs about $20.
According to the National Institutes of Health, studies of dexamethasone injections in lab animals found it’s 20 times more effective at controlling inflammation than prednisone and nearly 80 times more effective than hydrocortisone.
Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following side effects:
Changes in hair appearance
Loss of hair coat
Increase in body fat
Swelling of the abdomen
Panting
Lethargy
Muscle weakness
Abnormal bloodwork
Steroid hepatopathy
Stomach ulcers
Excessive thirst or urination
Opportunistic infections (bacterial, viral, and fungal)
Pancreatitis
Swelling of the brain
Seizures
Slow wound healing
Hunger
Plaque deposits on the skin
Thinning skin
Canines undergoing long-term corticosteroid treatment should have frequent check-ups to monitor their weight and bloodwork since these medications can worsen pre-existing conditions. Prolonged use of dexamethasone for dogs can cause electrolyte imbalances and abnormally high protein and blood glucose levels. Over time, a dog’s blood panels may reveal higher-than-normal liver enzyme levels and lead to steroid hepatopathy, a typically reversible condition caused by steroidal effects on the liver.
Dexamethasone isn’t recommended for puppies and adolescent dogs since it can adversely affect bone and cartilage development. This medication may also exacerbate medical conditions such as diabetes, stomach ulcers, Cushing’s syndrome, kidney failure, and low bone density.
Studies show that long-term treatment in dogs increases canines’ susceptibility to urinary tract infections. It’s estimated that 30% of dogs who take this drug for more than 90 days are diagnosed with a UTI. Most pet owners don’t even realize their dog is ill when taking dexamethasone because it masks the inflammation, pain, and other symptoms associated with UTIs. Most vets recommend that dogs on this medication for more than 3 months undergo regular urinalysis to make sure they remain healthy.
Dexamethasone is a known appetite stimulant and can predispose dogs to obesity and type 1 diabetes. Dogs who take this medication for an extended period should have regular check-ups to make sure their weight is within a healthy range.
Dexamethasone may interact with the following drugs:
NSAIDs (including aspirin, ibuprofen, and indomethacin)
Certain diuretics
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics
Vaccines
Insulin
Fentanyl
Barbituates
Bupropion
Amphotericin B
Diflucan
Carprofen
Meloxicam
“-azole” antifungals
Rifampin
Chemotherapy drugs
Macrolide antibiotics
Ephedrine
Valium
Biltricide
Anticholinesterases
Certain immunosuppressants
Coughing
Sneezing
Trouble breathing
Scratching
Hives
Swelling of the face, tongue, or throat.
No. Dogs who have been on this medication for more than 14 days must be tapered off. Consult with your vet about how to wean your dog off dexamethasone. [2]
This medicine is not intended for use in pregnant dogs. Dexamethasone is known to cause miscarriage, fetal death, preterm labor, and palette deformities in offspring.
Dexamethasone lasts for up to 2.5 days. Since it’s so long-acting, many vets instruct owners only to administer this medication every 2 to 3 days when used for an extended period.
Yes, panting is one of the most common side effects of this medication.
No. Dexamethasone can cause weight gain in canines due to its effects on appetite. Feed your pet their usual amount, and if they still seem hungry, consider dividing their meals into smaller portions and feeding throughout the day.
Dexamethasone is a rapid-onset steroid and typically starts working within 1 to 2 hours.
Keep both tablets and liquid formulas at room temperature, away from UV light. Dispose of any remaining oral solution after 30 days of opening. Do not refrigerate or freeze dexamethasone liquid suspensions.
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Written by a lover hannah hollinger
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 07/24/2020, edited: 09/21/2020
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