Skin Ailments in Dogs & the Long-Term Effects of Cortisone Use

Cortisone is often used to treat serious skin inflammation and allergy in dogs. While such steroid use reduces inflammation and allows the skin to heal, prolonged use may result in unwanted and dangerous side effects. Short-term effects include increased thirst and appetite, and more frequent urination. Consult your veterinarian if your dog is on cortisone for treatment of skin conditions to see if there are other options over the long term.

  1. Skin Conditions

    • Severe flea allergy dermatitis is often treated with cortisone and similar steroids. This allergy results in constant scratching, redness and inflammation. While cortisone will relieve the symptoms, the lowest dose over the shortest time should be used in treatment. Consult with your veterinarian regarding your dog's medication.

    Diabetes

    • Dogs prone to diabetes may develop the condition if taking cortisone long-term. While increased thirst is a common side effect, excessive weight gain along with this can signal the onset of diabetes. Any dog on long-term cortisone use should have regular blood tests to make sure diabetes does not become a complication.

    Infections

    • Dogs on long-term steroids may experience decreased resistance when it comes to infections. These include urinary-tract infections. According to the Mar Vista Animal
      Medical Center, up to 30 percent of canines on long-term steroids will not show the common symptoms of urinary tract infection, as the steroid suppresses inflammation that accompanies infection. The immune suppression that accompanies steroid use may leave dogs susceptible to conditions such as demodetic mange, caused by mites.

    Slow Wound Healing

    • Wounds may take longer to heal on dogs on long-time cortisone and other steriods. Hair may not grow back over cuts and scrapes.

    Steroid-Related Skin Conditions

    • Cortisone use to clear up one type of skin condition may result in another kind of skin problem with long-term use. Dogs' skin may become thinner, and they can develop canine acne, with blackheads. They may also develop calcinosis cutis, hard calcium plaques on the skin.