title: Effects of a single injection of methylprednisolone acetate on serum biochemical parameters in 11 cats.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Therapeutic use of corticosteroids has been implicated in a variety of serum biochemical abnormalities in dogs; however, the effects in cats are less well characterized.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this brief communication is to report serum biochemical changes in response to methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) in adult cats.
  
  
  METHODS
  Serum biochemical profiles were performed on 11 cats with dermatologic diseases at baseline, 3-6 days, and 16-24 days after a single intramuscular dose of 5 mg/kg MPA.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Median serum albumin and bicarbonate concentrations and amylase activity were increased compared to baseline at both post-treatment time points; aspartate aminotransferase activity and magnesium concentration were increased at 3-6 days post-treatment only; and alkaline phosphatase activity and total calcium concentration were increased at 16-24 days post-treatment only. Median serum creatinine concentration was decreased compared to baseline at both post-treatment time points. Examination of data from individual cats revealed significant variability in serum biochemical changes in response to MPA. No adverse clinical reactions to the drug were reported.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A single dose of MPA results in significant changes in some serum biochemical values in cats, although individual responses will vary.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA. shark009@umn.edu
authors.forename: Leslie C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Sharkey
authors.forename: Trasida
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ployngam
authors.forename: Anthony H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Tobias
authors.forename: Sheila M F
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Torres
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis / Q000662:veterinary*; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy; D002415:Cats / Q000097:blood*; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D000077555:Methylprednisolone Acetate; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*
chemical_list: D000077555:Methylprednisolone Acetate; D008775:Methylprednisolone