J. L. Goelz, D.V.M.
International SheepLetter
Vol. 21, No. 7, September 2001

Many people get confused when discussing steroids. There are two major divisions of the class of pharmaceutical compounds called steroids. First there are anabolic steroids. This is the type of steroid that increases muscle tissue. These are analogs of reproductive hormones such as testosterone or estrogen. These types of steroids are approved for food-animals (cattle) as growth implants that are inserted in the ear of feedlot cattle. The other type of pharmaceutical steroid is the group catabolic or glucocorticoid steroids. These products are analogs of naturally occurring hormones released from the adrenal gland when animals or people are stressed. While anabolic steroids increase muscle tissue, catabolic steroids decrease muscle tissue by using it to provide energy in the stressed animal. Dexmethasone and Predef (isoflupredone) are both in the group of glucocorticoids (anabolic steroids). These are both approved for food animals (cattle) as injectable products and are very useful in treating ketosis and inflammation. Dexamethasone has zero slaughter withdrawal and Predef has a 7 day slaughter withdrawal. Both dexamethasone and Predef can suppress the animal's immune system if repeated doses are given in a short period of time. Dexamethasone can also induce abortion if used on pregnant animals.