Effect of glucocorticoids on serum osteocalcin concentration in horses

The effects of dexamethasone (0.2 mg/kg of body weight; IV, IM, and PO) and methylprednisolone acetate (120 mg given intra-articularly) on serum osteocalcin and cortisol concentrations were studied in 6 horses. Serum osteocalcin and cortisol concentrations were serially monitored after each treatment. A significant (P < 0.05) decrease in serum osteocalcin and cortisol concentrations was observed from 12 to 24 and 2 to 48 hours, respectively, after IV and IM administrations of dexamethasone. Serum osteocalcin and cortisol concentrations were significantly decreased from 6 to 48 and 3 to 72 hours, respectively, after oral administration. In contrast, a change in serum osteocalcin concentration was not detected after intra-articular administration of methylprednisolone. Oral, IV, or IM treatment with 0.2 mg of dexamethasone/kg caused a decrease in serum osteocalcin concentration in horses.