Triamcinolone

Triamcinolone In Dogs & Cats: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• Alters the transcription of DNA, leading to alterations in cellular metabolism which reduces inflammatory response.

Uses of Triamcinolone

• Used topically for otitis externa and for the symptomatic treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis in dogs and cats.
• Intralesional injections in the management of various strictures (rectal, nasal, oesophageal and others).
• Has also been used in the management of inflammatory arthritides and dermatoses but is controversial in these uses.
• Suggested as a treatment for lipomas that impair mobility as an alternative to surgery.
• Treatment of mast cell tumours.

Dose of Triamcinolone in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

• Systemic: 0.1–0.2 mg/kg i.m. initially then 0.02–0.04 mg/kg maintenance. A single i.m. dose of the long-acting preparations is effective for 3–4 weeks.
• Intralesional: 1.2–1.8 mg (total dose) injected intralesionally. Maximum 0.6 mg at any one site; separate injections by 0.5–2.5 cm.
• Mast cell tumours: 1 mg injected intralesionally per cm of tumour (longest dimension).
• Topical: 8–10 drops in affected ear once or twice daily for a maximum of 14 days.
• Do not exceed 7 drops per kg total daily dose.

Cats:

• Systemic, intralesional: as for dogs.
• Intra-articular: 1–3 mg

Side Effects of Triamcinolone in Dogs and Cats

• Prolonged glucocorticoid use:
  • Suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary axis (HPA)
  • Causes adrenal atrophy
• Catabolic effects lead to:
  • Weight loss
  • Cutaneous atrophy
• Chronic use may lead to iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism
• Some patients may experience:
  • Vomiting and diarrhoea
  • GI ulceration
• Glucocorticoids can:
  • Increase urine glucose levels
  • Decrease serum T3 and T4 values
• Impaired wound healing and delayed recovery from infections may occur

Contraindications of Triamcinolone in Dogs and Cats

• Do not use it in pregnant animals.
• Systemic corticosteroids are generally contraindicated in patients with renal disease and diabetes mellitus.

Some Notes:

• Increased risk of GI ulceration when systemic glucocorticoids are used alongside NSAIDs
• Hypokalemia may develop when potassium-depleting diuretics (e.g., furosemide, thiazides) are combined with corticosteroids
• Insulin requirements may increase in patients using glucocorticoids
• Metabolism of corticosteroids may be:
  • Enhanced by phenobarbital or phenytoin
  • Decreased by antifungals (e.g., itraconazole)