As mentioned earlier it is much easier to customize an individual dosing program with the tablet form. The affected animal usually begins with daily therapy for a period of three to five days and then the dose is reduced to every other day dosing. The goal with all steroids is to use the minimum dose necessary to alleviate the symptoms. By taking this approach the side effects are eliminated or reduced. The potential side effects associated with steroid use in dogs are numerous, however cats show much fewer side effects.
Side effects can appear with any duration or form of steroid therapy.
Each animal responds differently to each type of treatment. However the number and severity of the side effects are very closely related to dose and duration of treatment. Most of the side effects associated with minimum effective dose short-term therapy are mild and resolve once therapy stops. Long-term use has the risk of creating more permanent and severe damage. Some high dose, long term side effects include increased incidence of infections, poor haircoat and skin, immunosuppression , diabetes , adrenal suppression, and liver problems.