Many people do not realize there are possible long-term side effects associated with the continuous use of corticosteroid treatments in pets. These can be very serious, and typically pets on long term use are not expected to live as long as they would if they were not on these medicines. Some long term side effects include; hypertension, infections, atrophy, hair loss, infertility, growth failure, adrenal gland diseases, ulcers, pancreatitis, decreased ability to fight infection, increased blood fat, fatty liver disease, obesity, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, lethargy, glaucoma, blood clots, changes to liver enzymes, thyroid, and white blood cell values.
As an alternative, there are complementary therapies that can be used in pets who require corticosteroid treatment. Here are just some examples:
For allergies – antioxidants, fatty acids, topical treatments, and herbal remedies.
For arthritis – omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, magnetic beds, herbs, acupuncture, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
For immune disorders – herbs and antioxidants.
For inflammatory bowel disease – herbs, probiotics, enzymes, glucosamine, and glutamine.
Note, acupuncture and a natural diet of whole foods (including raw foods) and glandular products can also be tried for any condition that responds to corticosteroid use.