Production of convulsions in the dog with intrathecal corticosteroids

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Abstract
Intrathecal administration of soluble hydrocortisone succinate in doses of 2.25 to 6 mg/kg and soluble prednisolone-21-phosphate in doses of 1.5 mg/kg resulted in severe convulsions in dogs. A sodium phosphate buffer similar in ionic composition and pH to the one in which the hydrocortisone succinate is dissolved resulted in irritative phenomena but no convulsions when given intrathecally in volumes equivalent in amount to the hydrocortisone doses used. Insoluble hydrocortisone suspension in saline did not have any deleterious effects in dogs when given intrathecally in doses of 6 mg/kg. Electrolyte changes occurred in the spinal fluid after both soluble hydrocortisone and sodium phosphate buffer administration intrathecally, but they were similar in both instances. Extreme caution should be used when the intrathecal administration of soluble corticosteroids is contemplated in human beings.