Adrenocortical Suppression by a Glucocorticoid: Effect of a Single i. m. Injection of Betamethasone Depot Versus Placebo given Prior to Orthopaedic Surgery in Dogs

Abstract

The suppression of the endogenous serum Cortisol level by a single i. m. injection of 3 mg betamethasone depot (Celeston Chronodose∞) prior to orthopaedic surgical interventions on the forelimbs of 8 dogs was studied in a placebo–controlled cross–over trial. Compared to placebo the endogenous serum Cortisol level was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced for a period of 4 days, and then returned to the pre–operative range. During the 28–day observation period after each surgical intervention no impairment of wound healing, bleeding episodes or side–effects which could be attributed to the glucocorticoid, was seen.