A Pilot Study Exploring the Plasma Potassium Variation in Dogs Undergoing Steroid Therapy and its Clinical Importance

In most situations in veterinary medicine, glucocorticoids are the drugs of choice used, i.e., to reduce the inflammatory response or limit an inappropriate immune response. Their use in long-term therapy may cause side effects that may weaken the patient. The aim of the study was to evaluate possible variations in the plasma potassium concentrations and their clinical relevance in dogs undergoing steroid therapy with methylprednisolone in anti-inflammatory doses. The study used a sample of 21 dogs (n=21) presented for consultation, with a clinical condition requiring a corticosteroid therapeutic protocol with an anti-inflammatory dose of methylprednisolone.
Source: Topics in Companion Animal Medicine - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Source Type: research