What Are the Side Effects of Topical Cortizone in Dogs?.
Topical cortisone is routinely prescribed for dogs who suffer from “hot spots,” or itchy, sore areas on the dog’s body. As tempting as it may be to reach for cortisone as treatment, there are side effects to consider.Hair LossTopical cortisone often causes hair loss around the area being treated.Thinning Of The SkinThinning skin sometimes breaks open, subjecting your pet to an increased risk of infection.Muscle WeaknessAlthough it is applied to the skin, cortisone creams are absorbed into the bloodstream. It is not uncommon for a dog to show signs of muscle weakness after being treated.Liver and Stomach ProblemsIt often takes time for a pet owner to notice that their pet is suffering from stomach problems, so by the time they are diagnosed the connection to cortisone is lost.