Even though Triamcinolone is primarily used in cats for such conditions as plasma-cell gingivitis-pharyngitis and muscle inflammation, it is also effective in the treatment of cat skin conditions that appear as a result of allergic reactions.
Pharmaceutical Mechanism of Triamcinolone
Triamcinolone represents a prescription anti-inflammatory drug that is classified as a corticosteroid or a synthetic glucocorticoid. The latter class refers to cortical steroids that stop inflammatory processes and help with the alleviation of such symptoms as:
- Heat
- Impaired function
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
When any of these symptoms occurs, the number and the size of the blood vessels present in the area increases. The way the glucocorticoids work is not precisely known, but it is believed that skin rash is reduced as a result of individual cell stabilization. The process also includes the stabilization of the internal structure of the cells.
Recommended Dosage and Cautions
Triamcinolone is available in multiple forms. Therefore, you may see:
- Injectable suspensions with the concentration of 2mg/ml or 6mg/ml
- Tablets containing 1mg, 2mg, 4mg or 8mg Triamcinolone
- Oral syrup that contains either 4 or 5mg
Prior to administering the drug, you need to determine the weight of your cat, as the dosage depends on this factor. The recommended daily dosage ranges between 0.5 and 1ml per 10 pounds. For precise dosage, though, you need to consult the veterinarian who will coordinate the dosage with the gravity of the cat skin rash.
The best time to give your cat Triamcinolone is during her meals, as this measure will prevent an upset stomach. The dosage needs to be decreased gradually when the skin rash is treated, as a sudden stop may lead to adverse reactions.
Contraindications and Interactions
If your cat suffers from any of the following health conditions, it is highly recommended to look for a substitute for Triamcinolone:
- Cataracts
- Corneal ulcers
- Cushing's syndrome
- Diabetes
- Glaucoma
- Heart failure
- High blood pressure
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Osteoporosis
- Stomach ulcers
- Thyroid disorders
- Tuberculosis
Cats that display hypersensitivity or allergic reactions when taking Triamcinolone should be given another treatment. This drug is also known to delay wound healing, and because of this fact, it is contraindicated for cats that will go through a surgical intervention in the near future. Triamcinolone should also be avoided if your cat suffers from a viral or fungal infection. The drug also delays the development of nursing litters if it is administered to nursing cats.
Some drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and steroids may interact with Triamcinolone and lead to adverse reactions. To avoid such situations, you need to talk with your veterinarian about the medication that your cat is receiving.
Side Effects of Triamcinolone
There are two categories of side effects that may be noticed when administering Triamcinolone to your cat. There are common side effects, and then there are adverse reactions that appear when this drug is taken for prolonged periods of time. The ones from the first category include:
- Depression
- Excessive thirst
- Increased appetite
- Increased urination
- Lethargy
- Panting
- Vomiting
Such symptoms are also noticed when an overdose is administered. Side effects that are noticed after long term treatments with Triamcinolone include, but are not limited to:
- Alopecia (hair loss)
- Development of diabetes mellitus
- Diarrhea
- Muscle weakness
- Skin thinning
- Suppression of adrenal glands
Should any of these side-effects be noticed, you need to inform the veterinarian. He may decide to lower the dosage or to prescribe an alternative to Triamcinolone.