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Effects of a single injection of methylprednisolone acetate on serum biochemical parameters in 11 cats
Leslie C Sharkey1, Trasida Ployngam, Anthony H Tobias
1Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA. shark009@umn.edu
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.