Steroid Treatment for Cats: When It's Used and What Are Its Side Effects Avoiding Steroid Misuse In Your Cat

Steroid therapy is a popular method for treating a variety of medical issues in cats. Steroids have been shown to be an effective treatment for conditions ranging from joint pain and inflammation to skin allergies. Despite its effectiveness, there is still a lot of confusion and misconceptions surrounding the use of steroids in cats. 

This article aims to shed light on the subject, providing an in-depth look into the benefits and drawbacks of steroid treatment for cats. It will cover the different types of steroids, how they work, and the conditions they can be used to treat.

What Are Steroids?

Steroids are a class of naturally occurring or artificial substances that are essential for controlling a variety of bodily biological processes. Steroids are frequently used in medicine as anti-inflammatory medications to treat a variety of ailments, such as joint pain, skin allergies, and respiratory problems. Steroids come in two primary categories: corticosteroids and anabolic steroids. Corticosteroids are produced naturally by the body and are commonly used for their anti-inflammatory and immune-suppressing effects, while anabolic steroids are synthetic hormones used to build muscle mass and strength. In veterinary medicine, corticosteroids are the most commonly used type of steroid in cats.

Forms of Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are available in several forms, including:

• Oral tablets or capsules: These are the most common form of corticosteroids used in cats. They are simple to administer, and the body readily absorbs them.

• Injections: Injections of corticosteroids can also be used to deliver them; these are often delivered under the skin or straight into a muscle. This method of medicine has a quick and effective anti-inflammatory impact.

• Topical creams or ointments: These are used to treat cat skin conditions such as allergies or rashes. Direct application of the steroid produces localized anti-inflammatory effects.

• Nasal sprays: These are used to treat respiratory conditions in cats, such as asthma or rhinitis. The steroid is delivered directly to the cat’s nasal passages, reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract.

• Eye drops: These are used to treat cat eye issues such as conjunctivitis or uveitis. The steroid is applied directly to the cat’s eye, reducing inflammation and relieving symptoms.

Why Are Corticosteroids Recommended?

Because of their strong anti-inflammatory and immune-suppressive properties, corticosteroids are frequently suggested by veterinarians to address a variety of medical issues in cats. When treating the following conditions, corticosteroids are frequently used:

• Skin allergies: In order to alleviate symptoms like redness, swelling, and itching brought on by skin allergies, steroids can assist in lessening itching and inflammation. Medications such as PREDNISONE can be prescribed to aid relief of skin conditions.

• Joint pain and inflammation: Corticosteroids are commonly used to treat conditions such as arthritis, where they help to reduce pain and swelling in the joints. METACAM and ONSIOR, for example can be used to cure inflammation and joint pains in cats.

• Respiratory conditions: Steroids can be used to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic bronchitis, where they help to reduce inflammation in the airways and improve breathing. TERBUTALINE is an example that helps to relax the airways and aids proper breathing in cats.

• Gastrointestinal conditions: Corticosteroids can be used to treat conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, where they help to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and improve digestive function.

• Eye conditions: Steroids can be used to treat eye conditions such as uveitis, where they help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Side Effects

Like any medication, corticosteroids may have side effects in certain cats. The most frequent side effects include the following:

• Increased thirst and urination: Higher thirst brought on by corticosteroids can result in increased water consumption and urine.

• Increased appetite: Steroids can cause increased appetite for your cat, leading to weight gain and obesity.

• Panting: Corticosteroids can lead to your cat panting, which is a common side effect in cats.

• Behavioral changes: While using corticosteroids, some cats may exhibit altered behavior, such as increased agitation or aggression.

• Gastrointestinal upset: Steroids can cause digestive upset, leading to symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea.

• Suppressed immune system: Corticosteroids can suppress the immune system, making cats more susceptible to infections and other illnesses.

• Muscle wasting: Prolonged use of corticosteroids can lead to muscle wasting, especially in older cats.

How to Reduce The Risk of The Side Effects

• Use the lowest effective dose: Corticosteroids should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration to minimize the risk of side effects.

• Gradual tapering: Whenever possible, corticosteroid doses should be gradually tapered over time to allow the body to adjust and reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms.

• Regular monitoring: Regular monitoring by a veterinarian is essential to detect and manage any potential side effects as soon as possible. This may include regular blood tests to monitor organ function and blood glucose levels.

• Balanced diet: A balanced diet can help to manage weight gain and other side effects associated with corticosteroid treatment.

• Exercise: Regular exercise can help to maintain muscle mass and prevent muscle wasting in cats on corticosteroids.

• Avoiding infections: Corticosteroids can suppress the immune system, making cats more susceptible to infections. To reduce the risk of infection, it is important to keep cats up to date on their vaccinations and avoid exposure to sick animals.

• Combine with other treatments: Corticosteroids can be combined with other treatments, such as joint supplements or antihistamines, to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of side effects.

Before beginning corticosteroid medication for a cat, go over any possible side effects with your veterinarian. To reduce the danger of side effects, the lowest effective dose should be taken for the shortest amount of time. The risks and advantages of the treatment should be carefully considered. Additionally, regular monitoring is important to detect and manage any potential side effects as soon as possible.