Whether your pet is itchy, coughy, sneezy, has diarrhea, or a host of other symptoms, we, as humans, have learned that steroids make it better. Am I right? My clients sometimes expect (or even hope) that a steroid will be used as part of their pet's treatment protocol. While steroids are a magical thing, we want to make sure we are choosing treatment options that are in your pet's best interest. Let's talk about the use of steroids in animals.
There are several categories of steroid, but the one we are focusing on is Glucocorticoids. This group of steroids is one of two main steroid types produced by the adrenal gland in the body. Glucocorticoids are involved in metabolism of nutrients, the cardiovascular system, and the general balance of body systems. They also have an effect on the immune system, which results in a decrease in inflammation. We are all familiar with inflammation in our bodies. Well, animals experience inflammation, too, in their joints, skin, GI tracts, etc.
Almost every cell in the body has a receptor for glucocorticoids. The body depends upon a healthy level of this hormone. In fact, in certain conditions, the body can produce too much or too little steroid, and the result is significant disease. Therefore, keeping a healthy balance is vital to the body's function.
The way we prescribe synthetic steroids depends upon an animal's need. At lower doses, steroids are anti-inflammatory. At higher doses, steroids are immunosuppressive. We use anti-inflammatory doses to treat the average itch or cough. Steroids are safe to use at this level for a short period. However, lengthy or frequent use of steroid can have negative side effects on an animal's endocrine system, joints, skin, immunity, etc.
Ideally, with any condition in animals, we will choose a treatment that is strong enough to get the job done without causing unnecessary side effects. With the progression of veterinary medicine, there are new options available to treat allergy, itch, gastrointestinal symptoms and more without reliance on steroids. These newer treatment applications are much easier on the body. They're more focused on the specific symptom we are treating, and therefore less likely to cause any long-term negative effects.
An example I can give you is in treating a condition known as atopy. Atopy correlates well with eczema in humans. Within this condition, the animal has a weakened skin barrier that is not protective against allergens or infection. While steroid can improve the symptoms of this condition, they do nothing to modify the disease, are not curative, and the symptoms often return as soon as the medication is finished. The result is repetitive use of steroid. Sometimes, these pets even get a monthly injection of steroid. Over time, continued steroid use can cause susceptibility to infection and disease.
Instead of steroids for treatment of atopy, we can use topical therapies and supplemental treatments to reduce bacteria, protect the skin barrier, more naturally produce hydration for the skin, and reduce inflammation. In this way, we are actually treating the disease process, not just hiding the symptoms of disease. It is possible to see immense improvement with this treatment regimen without the use of long-term or frequent steroid. We can safely use these types of therapies long-term, so maintaining the pet's condition is easier and more effective. We help the animal without putting him/her at risk for further disease.
Undoubtedly, there are times when steroid is our best option to quickly relieve our patient and reduce disease. In my opinion, once we have succeeded with that initial goal, we should seek alternate treatment options to maintain our patient at a level that no longer requires intervention with steroid. We can appreciate the benefit of the steroid class of anti-inflammatory drugs, while also recognizing and protecting against conditions caused by or exacerbated by frequent steroid treatments.
If your pet is currently taking steroids for allergy or skin disease, or any other chronic inflammatory condition, ask your veterinarian if there is an alternative. In some cases, there just might be a safer way to keep your pet comfortable.