Dog Allergies Treatment with Methylprednisolone

The dog allergies treatment may be made up of topical treatment and drops, but may also contain drugs such as antihistamines or steroids. Methylprednisolone is a steroid, which can be applied if the dog has severe allergic reactions.

Methylprednisolone for Dog Allergies

Methylprednisolone is a glucocorticoid, which means that it contains glucose and cortiocosteroids.

The drug can be used to relive symptoms of allergic reactions to diverse environmental factors or food. The effect of the drug is immediate, but if the drugs are discontinued, the symptoms of the allergies will recur. Methylprednisolone can be used in the management of allergic reactions and cannot cure the allergies. The allergies can be reduced if the allergen is isolated and the dog is no longer exposed to it.

The lengthy use of Methylprednisolone is not recommended, as there will be several side effects that may be more serious than the allergies. If possible, the dog should get allergy shots.

Methylprednisolone Administration and Dosage

Methylprednisolone can only be obtained through prescription from a vet and shouldn’t be administered otherwise.

For allergies, Methylprednisolone will be administered in the form of pills and the dosage will depend on the size and weight of the dog or the severity of the allergic reactions. It is important to maintain the dose recommended by the vet and you should never stop administering the drugs to your pet, as this can lead to adrenal insufficiency, which is a serious condition. The drug should be tapered off step by step, over several weeks.

Methylprednisolone may also be injected, if the allergic reaction is severe and the dog’s respiratory ways are severely swollen, hindering his breathing.

Methylprednisolone is also available as medication for humans, but you should never give your dog Methylprednisolone formulated for humans.

Methylprednisolone Side Effects

Methylprednisolone can cause a number of side effects including:

  • Vomiting
  • Loose stool
  • Irritability
  • Lethargy
  • Increased thirst and urination
  • Water retention and weight gain
  • Hair loss
  • Kidney and liver damage, when administered for a longer period of time
  • Slow wound healing

Given that Methylprednisolone contains glucose, it is not recommended to dogs that have diabetes. A different type of corticosteroids can be prescribed.

Methylprednisolone is not recommended to dogs with:

  • Glaucoma and corneal ulcers, as the drug may affect the vision
  • Heart problems
  • Hypertension
  • Kidney damage
  • Liver damage

Other Uses of Methylprednisolone

Methylprednisolone can be marketed as Medrol and Depo Medrol, but the generic Methylprednisolone is also available.

Methylprednisolone can also be employed in autoimmune diseases (i.e. lupus or hemolytic anemia), being an immune system suppressant and to reduce swelling caused by arthritis or other chronic illnesses.

Dogs with acral lick granulomas may also receive injections of Methylprednisolone, which will bring an immediate relief to the discomfort.

Other conditions that can be managed with Methylprednisolone include:

  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Brain trauma
  • Asthma
  • Gastric ulcers
  • Inflammatory bowel syndrome.
 

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