Corticosteroids: Short- and Long-Term Effects

Of the medications available in the arsenal of anti-inflammatory therapies, there is one type that has caused
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Of the medications available in the arsenal of anti-inflammatory therapies, there is one type that has caused considerable debate. This is the class of drugs known as corticosteroids.

Present naturally to some degree in all animals, corticosteroids are normally produced by the adrenal glands. Their natural actions protect the body against a variety of internal and environmental stressors, and they help the animal adapt to changes in its environment for improved survival. As medications, steroids have diverse effects, some of which are beneficial in the short term, yet longer use might exert less desirable results. When used judiciously and appropriately, corticosteroid medications can be of great benefit to limit many disease processes in the horse. When used unwisely, they can injure or kill.

What are Corticosteroids?

Corticosteroids, commonly referred to as "steroids," occur in different forms with various physiologic actions. The glucocorticoids most notably affect the metabolism of carbohydrate, fat, and protein, while also possessing distinctive anti-inflammatory properties. Another class of corticosteroids, the mineralocorticoids, control water and sodium retention by the kidneys

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Written by:

Nancy S. Loving, DVM, owns Loving Equine Clinic in Boulder, Colorado, and has a special interest in managing the care of sport horses. Her book, All Horse Systems Go, is a comprehensive veterinary care and conditioning resource in full color that covers all facets of horse care. She has also authored the books Go the Distance as a resource for endurance horse owners, Conformation and Performance, and First Aid for Horse and Rider in addition to many veterinary articles for both horse owner and professional audiences.

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