Control of reproductive activity

Question 1

Pharmacological control of reproduction in female dogs and cats

Answer 1

Spaying is cost effective, relatively safe and ‘good for health’

Increasing population of owners not wanting to spay bitches not intended for breeding (behavioural, cultural, moral, surgery risks)

We need to be able to give them adequate recommendations - the safest and most efficacious both for the female and the owners

Question 2

Methods of temporary control of reproduction in dogs and cats

Answer 2

Progestagens
- short acting oral formulations
- long acting injectable
- can have an effect of endometrium, can be diabetogenic

GnRH depot formulations (suprelorin implant)
- desensitisation of the pituitary gland, decreased gonadotrophin release, decreased testosterone secretion
- suppressed libido
- infertility achieved from 8 weeks onwards, not immediately

Question 3

Permanent control of reproduction in female dogs and cats

Answer 3

Ovariohysterectomy

Ovariectomy

Avoid surgery during luteal phase of bitch

Question 4

Permanent control of reproduction in male dogs and cats

Answer 4

Surgical removal of testes - castration

Closed method (testicular tunics not opened) -> preferred in cats

Open method -> preferred in dogs, esp. Larger breeds

Attention: castration may not bring solution for aggression or ‘habitual’ male sexual behaviour