Anabolic and Catabolic Steroids

By: Dr. Roy Kraemer |
DVM, Bulldog Specialist Veterinarian
Categories

Anabolic steroids are muscle builders; in contrast, catabolic steroids have a muscle-wasting effect. Here is a short list of those hormones’ natural origins, and associated benefits and risks:

Catabolic Steroids / GLUCOCORTICODIS:

Catabolic steroids are synthesized naturally in the adrenal glands, with the primary hormone being cortisol.

STRESS HORMONE CORTISOL

Endogenous cortisol is known as the “stress hormone” and helps mobilize energy resources during times of stress.

CATABOLIC STEROID BENEFITS:

Synthetic exogenous cortisol drugs are usually prescribed for their:

  • anti-inflammatory properties

bulldog puppy hot spot dermatitis

  • anti-itching effect
    • atopic and contact dermatitis

Bulldog Atopic Itch dermatitis

  • immunosuppressive properties
    • autoimmune disease
    • cancer

eng bulldog pemphigus autoimmune skin disease

  • bulldog back, disc, and neurological disease
    • IVDD

IVDD disc herniation in French Bulldog post surgery repair

bulldog carpus and digit arthritis

CATABOLIC STEROID RISKS:

Bulldogs and French bulldogs treated with cortisone can suffer both mild and serious side effects, Examples are

  • panting
  • weight gain
  • excessive drinking and eating
  • thin skin
  • chronic dermatitis
  • recurrent UTI
  • steroid hepatopathy
  • diabetes 
  • iatrogenic Cushing Syndrome

Cushing's Syndrome in French Bulldog

CORTISOL COMMON RX

 Prescribed synthetic cortisols include known generics such as

  • pred
  • dexamethasone
  • methylpred

BULLY THERAPEUTIC STEROID SUBSTITUTES: 

Bully Hypoallergenic Ultimate Bundle

Bulldog Hypoallergenic Ultimate Bundle

Bulldog Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of the male hormone testosterone. Like all drugs, anabolic steroids should only be used after consulting a veterinarian.

bulldog body builder anabolic steroid

ANABOLIC STEROID BENEFITS:

Synthetic derivatives of testosterone are primarily used to help your bulldog:

  • add weight
  • promote muscle growth
  • increase strength
  • improve appetite
  • recovery from illness and surgery

ANABOLIC STEROID RISKS

Excessive use can lead to harmful side effects, including

  • changes in sexual behavior
  • testicular atrophy (in males)
  • clitoral hypertrophy (in females)
  • increase aggression 
  • liver damage

ANABOLIC STEROIDS AVAILABILITY

It’s important to note that while anabolic steroids are often associated with illicit use in humans, they also have legitimate medical uses, particularly in veterinary medicine. These uses are strictly regulated to prevent misuse and abuse.

In some cases, these anabolic steroids may need to be obtained from compounding pharmacies due to their limited availability in standard veterinary pharmaceuticals.

Bulldog Steroid Monitoring

To ensure the health and well-being of your bulldog, anabolic and catabolic steroids must be carefully monitored by a veterinarian 

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The information provided on this platform is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian regarding any medical condition. It's important to always consider professional medical advice promptly and not to delay seeking it based on information you've read on this platform. Any reliance on the information provided here is entirely at your discretion.