Adverse effects and outcome associated with dexamethasone administration in dogs with acute thoracolumbar intervertebral disk herniation: 161 cases (2000–2006)

Abstract

Results indicated that treatment with dexamethasone before surgery is associated with more adverse effects, compared with treatment with glucocorticoids other than dexamethasone or no treatment with glucocorticoids, in dogs with thoracolumbar intervertebral disk herniation. In this study population, no difference in outcome was found among groups. These findings suggest that the value of dexamethasone administration before surgery in dogs with thoracolumbar disk herniation should be reconsidered.

Low‐level laser therapy reduces time to ambulation in dogs after hemilaminectomy: a preliminary study

“…There were dogs in both treatment and control groups that received glucocorticoids, mostly before the patients arrived at the hospital. This is not seen as a confounding variable as there are studies indicating that glucocorticoids do not affect the outcome in dogs with IVDD (Boag and others , Levine and others ).…”

Prevalence of and risk factors for intraoperative gastroesophageal reflux and postanesthetic vomiting and diarrhea in dogs undergoing general anesthesia

“…However, little information is available regarding the incidence of postsurgical diarrhea in dogs. In veterinary medicine, diarrhea has been associated with invasive and endoscopic procedures of the gastrointestinal tract and the use of corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) during the perianesthetic period . Diarrhea does not usually cause severe complications, compared to GER or vomiting, but can cause contamination of surgical wounds or devices such as catheters, chest tubes, or abdominal and subcutaneous drains.…”

Vertebral Subluxation Repair in a Pet Goat

“…Dexamethasone sodium phosphate was preferred over methylprednisolone as it was for decades accepted as the first line treatment for acute spinal cord injury for its direct anti‐inflammatory action. Nevertheless, no evidence exists to support dexamethasone's efficacy in dogs, and its use may worsen neurological outcome . While there might be benefits related to reduced spinal cord edema, evidence exists that glucocorticoids can also induce gastrointestinal bleeding and fatal colonic perforation …”