What are common short-term side effects of corticosteroid use?

Corticosteroids are commonly used in veterinary medicine to manage inflammation and immune responses. One of the well-known short-term side effects associated with corticosteroid use includes an increase in the frequency of urination (polyuria), an increased thirst or urge to drink (polydipsia), and an increased appetite (polyphagia). These effects occur due to the way corticosteroids affect metabolism and fluid balance in the body.

Corticosteroids can cause the kidneys to excrete more water, leading to increased urination, and can also cause changes in the body's hunger signals and glucose metabolism, which results in increased appetite. This combination of symptoms is often referred to as "Cushing's-like" effects and highlights the importance of monitoring animals on corticosteroid therapy for such changes.

Thinning of the skin, osteoporosis, and delayed healing are more commonly noted as long-term side effects or complications associated with prolonged corticosteroid use rather than short-term effects. Thus, while all of these effects may be associated with corticosteroid therapy at different stages, the polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia are distinctly recognized as common short-term side effects.