To Art Grondine concerning Azium
 
        Art:
 
        Sorry to hear about Guy.  There is a time and place for everything,
     and it seems to be Guy's time to move on to the next level.  I (and
     Guy, I'm sure) appreciate your coolheadedness during this time; I know
     it is a very difficult time for you.
 
        Azium is a form of steroid known as dexamethasone.  There are
     various forms of steroids which have different gradations of actions
     on the body - soem are more effective in raising glucose levels, some
     are more effective at raising levels of sodium and potassium, etc.,
     not to mention duration of action.
 
        Azium is a relatively short-acting steroid which doesn't have as
     good a glucose-raising ability as prednisone.  However, it is
     excellent at raising electrolyte levels back to normal ranges and
     steadying the blood vasculature during times of shock; which is why it
     is the first choice for animals in shock.
 
        Unfortunately, it is relatively short acting - 6-12 hours, and
     would have to be repeated several times a day.  Prednisone (or
     prednisolone, a closely related steroid) are still the tops for
     medical maintenance of insulinoma. (But surgery is still better
     yet!!!)
 
        Our hearts are with you in your time of sorrow.
 
       Bruce Williams, DVM                 Department of Veterinary Pathology
       [log in to unmask]         Armed Forces Institute of Pathology
       (202) 782-2600/2602                    Washington, D.C.  20306-6000
[Posted in FML issue 1071]