title: Evaluation of adrenal function in small-breed dogs receiving otic glucocorticoids.
abstract: The objectives of this study were to evaluate adrenal function after otic glucocorticoid [Tresaderm (dexamethasone) and Otomax (betamethasone)] therapy in small-breed dogs without evidence of otitis and to evaluate the length of time needed for resolution of adrenal suppression after discontinuation of treatment. Fourteen clinically healthy, privately owned, small-breed dogs with normal ears and normal adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) stimulation tests were assigned to one of two treatment groups, receiving one of the medications at the manufacturer's recommended dosage twice daily for 2 weeks. All of the dogs in the betamethasone treatment group had normal ACTH stimulation tests after 2 weeks of treatment. In contrast, 5/7 (71.43%) in the dexamethasone group, had suppressed adrenocortical responses to exogenous ACTH. Three of these five dogs (42%) returned to normal values 1 week after ceasing the medication and two (28.57%) returned to normal values 2 weeks after ceasing the medication. In conclusion, it appears that adrenal function can be suppressed for up to 2 weeks in dogs receiving otic dexamethasone. A follow-up study repeating this work in dogs with inflamed ears is needed before further clinical recommendations can be made.
authors.affiliation: Blanche Saunders Dermatology Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, 2015 SW 16th Avenue, Box 100126, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ghubash
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Marsella
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kunkle
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000309:Adrenal Insufficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D001623:Betamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D049628:Body Size; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced*; D004285:Dogs; D004423:Ear; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids; D003907:Dexamethasone; D001623:Betamethasone; D006854:Hydrocortisone