Changes

====Glucocorticoids====

====Glucocorticoids====

Glucocorticoids the most commonly used anti-inflammatory drugs in veterinary dermatology. Although they are are cheap and efficaceous, they are associated with many undesirable side effects. They should therefore be used with caution in atopic dermatitis. Drugs such as prednisolone or methyl-prednisolone can be used in the initial stages of treatment to break the itch-scratch cycle while animals begin to respond to other forms of control. They may also be used to manage seasonal atopy for a few months of the year. Short courses that gradually taper off can be implemented in flare-ups, or corticosteroids can be used as a very last resort in pets non-responsive to other forms of treatment.

Glucocorticoids the most commonly used anti-inflammatory drugs in veterinary dermatology. Although they are are cheap and efficaceous, they are associated with many undesirable side effects. They should therefore be used with caution in atopic dermatitis. Drugs such as prednisolone or methyl-prednisolone can be used in the initial stages of treatment to break the itch-scratch cycle while animals begin to respond to other forms of control. They may also be used to manage seasonal atopy for a few months of the year. Short courses that gradually taper off can be implemented in flare-ups, or corticosteroids can be used as a very last resort in pets non-responsive to other forms of treatment. Topical steroids may be used where inflammation is

 

localised to small areas of relatively hairless skin, or to control pyotraumatic dermatitis. in most cases, lesions are more widespread and so systemic administration is necessary. A dose should be established that induces remission, and this should be gradually tapered to the minimal effective dose, for example alternate day treatment. "Depot" injections of corticosteroids do not permit this flexibility in dosing, and should not be used.

and avoids the need for systemic therapy. Topical

glucocorticoids can be used where inflammation is

localized to relatively hairless skin, pyotraumatic

dermatitis (‘hot-spots’) or in the ears and eyes.

 

Systemic therapy is necessary with more severe

is given once daily until remission. You can then

administer the same dose every other day and then

lowest maintenance dose is established; or,

gradually wean the alternate day dose off, and

drugs for alternate day dosing are prednisolone

or methyl-prednisolone, but triamcinolone,

preparations should not be used unless absolutely

Glucocorticoids will suppress reactions to intradermal

Glucocorticoids will suppress reactions to intradermal

times (Figure 5).

times (Figure 5).

Phytopica is a product containing a selection of Chinese herbs, which has been shown to be an efficaceous, safe and palatable treatment for atopic dermatitis in dogs⁴. However, only a 20-50% improvement in signs is achieved, and so Phytopica is best used in combination with other control strategies and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Phytopica is a product containing a selection of Chinese herbs, which has been shown to be an efficaceous, safe and palatable treatment for atopic dermatitis in dogs⁴. However, only a 20-50% improvement in signs is achieved, and so Phytopica is best used in combination with other control strategies and anti-inflammatory drugs.