The pet on glucocorticoids is likely to experience the following:
Increased hunger
Increased thirst (and possibly urinary incontinence if there is inadequate access to an area for appropriate urination).
Panting (dogs)
General loss of energy
Recrudescence of latent infection
Further, pre-diabetic animals may be "tipped over" into a diabetic
state with steroid use. Often in these cases, the diabetes resolves
once the steroid wears off. Sensitive individuals may experience upset
stomach which can be serious.
There are many conditions which require long term suppression of the
immune system. Glucocorticoid doses generally include an
"anti-inflammatory" dose which is lower and an "immune suppressive"
dose which is higher, though with long enough term use, lower doses
will become immune suppressive. When steroid use stretches out for more
than four months, a new set of side effects becomes of concern.
Our Cortisone side effects support mix includes the herbs Liquorice,
Horsetail, Rue , Nettle, Oats, St Johns Wort, Celery, and Juniper, plus
the Bach Flower Wild Rose and Mimulus. This mix supports the
rebalancing of the adrenal glands and lymphatic systems, stamina and
overall wellbeing during a stressful time.
http://www.herbal-dogkeeping.com/dog_cortisone_side_effect.html