Steroids are usually administered in one of two forms, injectable and in tablet form. The steroids being discussed here are corticosteroids and are not the anabolic steroids used by body builders. Anabolic steroids are a completely different drug and have no application in treating animal allergies. There are many different forms of corticosteroids currently available on the market. They vary widely in their duration of activity and strength.
Steroids have a wide range of activity and effect several different systems within the body.
They are closely involved with the skin, immune, and endocrine system. The effects on the immune and endocrine system can create the widespread and multisystem side effects seen with their use. These agents are usually given subcutaneously or intramuscularly and have between one week and six months duration depending on the product, the dose, and the individual animal. Steroids can be used effectively and safely if a careful dosage schedule is followed. Oral supplementation allows a more accurate and tailored dose but injectables may be preferred in several situations.