Anti-inflammatory drug: To reduce inflammation in various conditions.
Assessment of adrenal function: Used in dexamethasone suppression tests to diagnose hyperadrenocorticism (HAC).
Emergency treatment of hypoadrenocorticism: Provides immediate glucocorticoid support in critical cases.
Anaphylaxis: Prevents and treats allergic reactions associated with transfusion or chemotherapeutic agents.

Horses: Used for the treatment of inflammatory conditions like arthritis, dermatitis, and uveitis. It is also utilized for managing allergic reactions and as part of diagnostic testing for equine Cushing’s disease.
Cattle: Employed in the treatment of inflammatory conditions and to reduce the swelling associated with udder edema in postpartum cows.
Sheep and Goats: Used to control inflammation and to manage shock in critical care settings.
Swine: Administered to reduce inflammation, manage shock, and in cases of severe allergic reactions.

Dose of Dexamethasone For Dogs, Cats & All Animals

Ophthalmic: Apply a small amount of ointment to the affected eye(s) every 6–24 hours or 1 drop of solution in the affected eye(s) every 6–12 hours.
Otic: 10 drops in the ear once daily for 7–14 days.
Cerebral edema associated with tumors: 0.1–0.3 mg/kg for anti-inflammatory effects.
Hypoadrenocorticism: 0.2 mg/kg i.v. daily until oral medication is possible.
Inflammation: 0.01–0.16 mg/kg i.m., s.c., or p.o. every 24 hours for a maximum of 3–5 days.
Prevention and treatment of anaphylaxis: 0.5 mg/kg i.v. once.
Immunosuppression: 0.3–5 mg/kg i.m., s.c., or p.o. every 24 hours for up to 5 days.
Assessment of adrenal function: Low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (0.01–0.015 mg/kg i.v.).

Use the same doses as in dogs for ophthalmic, cerebral edema, inflammation, anaphylaxis, and immunosuppression.
Assessment of adrenal function: Dexamethasone suppression test at 0.1–0.15 mg/kg i.v.

Anti-inflammatory: 0.02–0.2 mg/kg i.m., i.v., or p.o. depending on the severity and type of condition.
Shock or systemic inflammation: Up to 0.05–0.2 mg/kg i.v., adjusted based on clinical response.
Diagnostic testing for Cushing’s disease: Dexamethasone suppression test involves administering a specific dose and measuring cortisol levels.

Inflammation: 0.04–0.1 mg/kg i.m. or s.c., adjusted based on the condition being treated.
Parturient paresis (milk fever): Sometimes used in combination with other treatments to reduce inflammation and improve circulation.

Shock management: 0.1–0.2 mg/kg i.v. for severe systemic inflammatory responses.
Inflammatory conditions: 0.04–0.1 mg/kg i.m. as needed.

Inflammation: 0.04–0.1 mg/kg i.m. for conditions like arthritis or respiratory distress.
Shock: Similar dosing as in other species for managing acute inflammatory responses

Drug Dosage Calculator

You Should Give:

Dogs and Cats:
1. Adrenal Suppression: One dose can suppress adrenal gland activity for up to 32 hours.
2. Inhibition of the HPA Axis: Long-term use can cause adrenal atrophy.
3. Metabolic Changes: Increased liver enzyme activity, weight loss, PU/PD, vomiting, and diarrhea.
4. Gastrointestinal Irritation: Risk of ulceration with prolonged use.
5. Hyperglycemia: Can result in increased blood glucose levels.
Horses: Prolonged use or high doses can increase the risk of laminitis. Monitoring for early signs is essential during treatment.
Cattle: Long-term administration can lead to immunosuppression, reduced milk production, and metabolic disturbances.
Sheep and Goats: Possible side effects include immune suppression and delayed wound healing with prolonged use.
Swine: Gastrointestinal irritation and immune suppression are potential risks, particularly with high doses or extended treatment.

Dogs and Cats:
1. Pregnancy: Risk of fetal abnormalities.
2. Renal Illness and Diabetes: Use cautiously in patients with these conditions.
3. Infections: May exacerbate infections and slow wound healing.
4. Ulcerative Keratitis: Contraindicated for topical use in the eyes when corneal ulcers are present.
Horses: Contraindicated in cases of laminitis or risk thereof. Use cautiously in pregnant mares as it may lead to abortion.
Cattle: Avoid in cases of infection, particularly mastitis, due to its immunosuppressive effects.
Sheep and Goats: Should be used cautiously in pregnant animals as it may induce premature labor.
Swine: Avoid in piglets with a weak immune system or those suffering from viral infections.

Potency: 0.15 mg of dexamethasone is equivalent to 1 mg of prednisolone.
Tapering: Gradual reduction is necessary when discontinuing after long-term use.
Drug Interactions:
- Dogs and Cats: Concurrent use with NSAIDs increases the risk of GI ulceration. May interact with amphotericin B, diuretics, insulin, phenytoin, and itraconazole.
- Horses: Using dexamethasone with NSAIDs can increase the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration. Combining with insulin may require dose adjustments due to dexamethasone’s antagonistic effects.
- Cattle, Sheep, and Goats: Interactions with diuretics (e.g., furosemide) may increase the risk of hypokalemia. Co-administration with vaccines may reduce vaccine efficacy due to immunosuppression.
- Swine: Caution is advised when used alongside drugs that affect electrolyte balance, as dexamethasone may exacerbate electrolyte disturbances.
Long-term Therapy: Not recommended for long-term daily use due to potential adverse effects.