GLUCOCORTICOID THERAPY - PHARMACOLOGY, INDICATIONS, AND COMPLICATIONS

Glucocorticoids are one of the most commonly prescribed classes of med ication in veterinary medicine, with numerous applications ranging fro m physiologic replacement therapy to immunosuppression. Due to the pre sence of glucocorticoid receptors in almost all cells, both the desire d and undesired effects of glucocorticoid therapy are manifold. This a rticle discusses the physiologic alterations possible with glucocortic oid therapy, glucocorticoid pharmacology, nonendocrine indications, an d different therapeutic strategies. The adverse reactions potentially associated with glucocorticoid therapy also are examined.