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Discussion on Prednisolone vs. dexamethasone: is there a difference?
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Posted on Monday, Oct 1, 2001 - 2:51 pm:
My veterinarian has prescribed alternate day therapy for my horse, but we are using dexamethasone (6cc squirted over feed)instead of prednisolone. Is there a diffence between the two? We have seen a great improvement with the therapy along his midline, although the horse still itches a bit, and continues to rub his mane and tail (though not to the point of oozing sores). Is the prednisolone more effective than the dexamethasone? Thanks for the help.
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Posted on Tuesday, Oct 2, 2001 - 7:18 am:
Hello Catherine,
It is all a matter of dosage Catherine. The prednisolone is less active per milligram (1/10 to 1/20th as active) so dosages are adjusted to effect. The other key difference is that prednisolone does not last in the body near as long as dex does, but that is exactly the reason it is used in ADT. Dex has a longer half life that might not allow enough to clear from the body to give the adrenal gland a chance to do a little work on th day off of treatment, even at fairly low doses. For more on this see, For more on this see Equine Medications and Nutriceuticals: Anti-inflammatories, Steroids, and Arthritis Treatment: Use of Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in Horses: Alternate Day Therapy.
This is great that you have the problem abaiting and it may take a little while longer for complete control. Once achieved or before 5 weeks has elapsed, I would consider switching to the prednisolone. Even at fairly high doses it clears rapidly from the body.
DrO
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Posted on Wednesday, Oct 3, 2001 - 1:24 am:
Thank you for the help DrO, I will read the section on medications you suggested. My veterinarian has also suggested trying to reduce the dosage of Dex to every third day, if my horse continues to respond to the treatment. I am a little tentative when it comes to questioning his prescribed therapy - I don't know quite how to ask without sounding like I distrust him!
Thanks again, Cathy
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