Corticosteroid: For administration to dogs and cats, as a glucocorticoid where a pharmacologically active, massive dose is required with a rapid onset of activity; for example in the treatment of overwhelming infections/toxicity, shock (as evidenced by collapse of peripheral circulation with clinical signs of pallor, weak and rapid pulse, shallow respiration) and spinal cord compression.
The use of relatively massive doses of Solu-Medrone V in cases of shock is well-established. The mechanism of action is believed to be twofold, being firstly a sustained rise in cardiac output with a concomitant decrease in peripheral vascular resistance and secondly the stabilisation of cellular and lysosomal membranes against endotoxic damage.
In the treatment of spinal cord compression, for instance as a consequence of an intervertebral disc rupture/protrusion or a road traffic accident, the mechanism of action of Solu-Medrone V is believed to include at least three mechanisms: 1) a facilitation of neuronal excitability and impulse conduction, 2) an improved spinal cord blood flow and 3) the preservation of spinal cord ultrastructure through a reduction of injury-induced free radical-catalysed lipid peroxidation.
Following the use of Solu-Medrone V at high dosage, there is no need for gradual tailing off, i.e. Solu-Medrone V therapy can be stopped as soon as clinical examination demonstrates a stable and improving patient state.