Some animals may be on long-term glucocorticoids for treatment of certain disease conditions. What ...

Long-term glucocorticoid use can cause gastric upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, and gastric bleeding and ulcers. Glucocorticoids inhibit prostaglandin production in the

stomach (and other tissues), which helps protect the stomach lining from hydrochloric acid. Glucocorticoids also increase gastric acid secretion, which makes ulcer formation more likely. Ways to prevent gastric upset include taking glucocorticoids with food and taking them for as short of a duration and as low of a dose as possible. Glucocorticoids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories both inhibit prostaglandins, so they should not be used together.