Short- acting soluble steroids such as the succinate esters are routinely used in the treatment of septic shock, but this indication is controversial.

The action of corticoids on hemorrhagic and cardiogenic shock is not established, even though product labeling includes this use as an adjunct to fluid therapy.

Glucocorticoids are also routinely used in the treatment of cerebral edema, although controlled clinical trials supporting their effectiveness are lacking.

Glucocorticoids are used commonly to treat allergy and inflammation such as pruritic dermatoses and allergic lung and Gl diseases.

In acute cases of atopic or flea allergy dermatitis, anti-inflammatory dosages (prednisolone, 0.5-1 mg/kg, sid) alleviate pruritus and limit self-trauma from scratching until the underlying cause can be addressed.

Similar dosages are used in the management of chronic allergic bronchitis and feline asthma. Short-acting corticosteroids have also been used in the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome in cattle and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in horses. Corticosteroids have been used to treat several musculoskeletal disorders including osteoarthritis, myositis, and immune-mediated arthritis. In most inflammatory conditions, glucocorticoids should be used in conjunction with therapies that target the underlying cause.