Exogenous corticosteroids increase serum iron concentrations in mature horses and ponies.
Corticosteroid preparation was administered to 7 Shetland Ponies and 10 Quarter Horses. Serum iron concentration increased dramatically for 48 to 72 hours after the steroid treatment, whereas serum iron-binding capacity and serum ferritin concentration did not. An increase in available iron may allow bacteria to proliferate when ponies or horses are stressed or treated inappropriately with corticosteroids.
D000818:Animals; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D005293:Ferritins / Q000097:blood; D006736:Horses / Q000097:blood*; D007501:Iron / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male
D003907:Dexamethasone; D005293:Ferritins; D007501:Iron