Better information makes for healthier horses,
Horseadvice.com is where equine science and horse sense intersect.

Glucocorticoids an Overview
of the Use of the Anti-inflammatory Steroids in Horses
  by Robert N. Oglesby DVM

Introduction

Introduction » Useful Definitions » Pharmacology » Overdosage » Drug Interactions » Contraindications/Precautions » Adverse Effects and Warnings » Drug and Laboratory Interactions » Monitoring Parameters » Client Information » Drug Regulations » More Info 

The term steroid is confusing to most horsemen as it applies to so many different drugs with very different actions in the body. There are the steroids associated with sexual function, body building, those associated with stress, those associated with mineral metabolism and finally those associated with anti-inflammatory action. They are referred to as the glucocorticoids and what we are going to discuss in this report. However you need to know that almost all steroids, including the anti-inflammatory ones, cross-react and cause some of these other actions listed above. The more cross-reactive a steroid is the less useful it is clinically because this cross reaction results in undesirable side effects.

The anti-inflammatory steroids belong to the group called glucocorticoids which are any steroid-like compounds capable of significantly influencing energy metabolism and of exerting a clinically useful anti-inflammatory effect. Most medications are man adapted forms of the natural adrenal glucocorticoid hydrocortisone also called cortisol. They generally are more potent with less side effects than the natural compound.

There are not many diseases glucocorticoids have not been used to treat but are best indicated for treatment for noninfectious inflammation and anaphylactic shock. Some of the diseases they are used for in the horse are:
  • arthritis
  • COPD (Heaves)
  • recurrent uveitis
  • sweet itch or culicoides hypersensitivity
  • allergies and hives
  • collagen diseases with inflammatory or autoimmune causes, lupus and pemphigus
  • autoimmune hemolytic anemia's and thrombocytopenia
  • neoplasia's
  • increased CSF pressure
  • some types of malabsorption syndromes
  • nephrotic syndrome
  • adrenal insufficiency
This article is about the pharmacology, metabolic effects, drug interactions, contraindications / precautions, adverse effects, drug interactions, scientific papers, and association drug rules that apply to this medication.
      ~Word Count: 2935 words (The average magazine page contains about 600 words);
      ~Last Updated: September 08, 2009;

There are 2 ways to access the complete article:

You have just read the introduction to one of our nearly 800 articles on horse care, diseases, and training. It includes a description of the contents of the unabridged version. As a guest you can access this article two different ways: either purchase the article or become a member and take advantage of all the benefits Horseadvice.com has to offer. Check out our Membership Drive Discount below but hurry. This is for a limited time!
BBB Reliability Seal Your assurance of excellent customer service.
128 bit SSL encryption We use 128 bit SSL encryption, so your order is secure.

#1: Article Purchase: $7 US for instant access to the unabridged article.

We guarantee your satisfaction or we will refund the purchase price:

#2 Join Horseadvice: for as little as $4 US a month you get instant access to this article and one of the finest equine resources in the world!

During our membership drive we will waive our 10$ Join Fee!

Full Access with No Posting: 4$ US a month

  • Recommended to those who wish to have full access to one of the finest equine resources, including articles and discussions, but does not feel the need to post to the discussion boards.
  • 14$ 4$ US to join which includes the first month. Membership automatically renews monthly for 4$ US. You may cancel anytime online.
Full Access Membership
Price: 14$ US
Membership Drive Price: 4$ US
(includes first month access)

Full Access with Discussion Posting: 7$ US a month

  • Recommended to those who wish to have full access to one of the finest equine resources anywhere and engage an equine veterinarian and experienced horsefolks with questions and discussions on all aspects of horses and horsemanship.
  • 31$ 21$ US to join, which includes the first 3 months. Membership then automatically renews monthly for 7$ US. You may cancel anytime online.
Full Service Membership
Price: 31$ US
Membership Drive Price: 21$ US
(includes 3 months service)

Uncertain if you want to become part of one of the finest most up-to-date equine resources in the world? Click Here for More Information!

Discussions on Steroids, Overview of Antiinflammatory Use
  Titles Subtopics Posts Updated
iconReducing Dexamethasone DosageNov 19, 08
iconSide Effects of Prednisolone Jul 27, 08
iconSteroids and dull hairMay 7, 08
iconAtaxiFeb 2, 08
iconADTMar 28, 00
Before posting be sure to review the articles on your topic and preexisting discussions to see if your question has been answered.

Start a New Discussion
Home Page | Todays Discussions | Search | Top of Page Administration
  http://www.horseadvice.com
is The Horseman's Advisor
Helping Thousands of Equestrians, Farriers, and Veterinarians Every Day
All rights reserved, © 2009
BBB Reliability Seal