Did you know there are non-surgical ways to neuter your male dog?
Suprelorin implants are a form of reversible fertility control for male dogs. It involves injecting an implant under the skin between the shoulder blades that releases a slow and continuous dose of Deslorelin. Deslorin is a hormone that suppresses the production of reproductive hormones such as testosterone.
Benefits of this include:
- Reproductive control (infertility) which is reversible
- Possible reduction of behavioural problems due to testosterone
- Alleviate testosterone-dependent disease in older dogs such as benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Reasons you might want to consider this implant for your dog over surgical castration include:
- Concurrent illnesses which may compromise anaesthetic safety for a surgical procedure
- If fertility control is needed on a temporary basis, when you are considering breeding your animal in the future.
It generally takes 2-3 weeks after implantation for Deslorelin to reduce testosterone levels, and 6 weeks for the dog to become infertile. Depending on the size of the implant, the effects can last from 6-12 months, though this can vary. Consecutive implants can be placed if continued control is desired.
By Caitlyn Gallagher, 2017 Veterinary Graduate, The University of Sydney
