Covinan for dogs

Covinan is an effective hormonal drug that suppresses the production of sex hormones in animals. The drug was developed by the Dutch company Intervet International. Covinan is used in dogs as a contraceptive, as well as for the treatment of false pregnancy and lactation.

Composition and release form

The medication is produced as an injection solution. The clear liquid has a light-white tint. The medicine is packaged in sterile glass vials with a capacity of 20 ml. They are sealed with rubber stoppers and sealed with aluminum foil to ensure a hermetic seal.

The main active ingredient is proligestone. Each ml of the medication contains 100 mg. In addition to the steroid hormone, the composition also includes the following excipients:

• lecithin;
• macrogol;
• methyl parahydroxybenzoate;
• polysorbate;
• sodium citrate;
• proyl parahydroxybenzoate, etc.

There are no special storage requirements for this medication. The key is to keep the temperature between 2 and 25˚C. Store away from heat sources and direct sunlight, and out of the reach of pets and children. Once opened, the solution is suitable for use within 28 days.

Price

The price of Kovinan for dogs is quite high. A 20 ml bottle costs 2,300-2,700 rubles, depending on the region and pharmacy. You can find the medication at a good price online. Purchase only from trusted sources to avoid counterfeit products.

How it works and when it is used

The steroid hormone is a type of progestogen. It has the following effects:

• inhibits the process of follicle maturation;
• stops the production of estradiol in mature follicles;
• makes the development of estrus impossible.

The synthetic hormone increases appetite, which can lead to weight gain. Proligestone enters the intestines along with bile and is eliminated from the body in feces. The substance blocks the production of gonadotropic hormones, but after discontinuing the drug, hormonal levels are restored, and the contraceptive effect ceases.

It is used to prevent unwanted pregnancy in dogs for various reasons, as well as to regulate estrus in female dogs. It is also prescribed for the prevention and treatment of false pregnancy and pseudolactation. Additionally, Kovinan can be used as part of a combination therapy for the following conditions:

• dermatitis caused by hormonal imbalances;
• tumors of the genital organs;
• metrorrhagia;
• uterine bleeding.

Hormonal medication is classified as a low-hazard substance, but it should not be used without consulting a veterinarian.

Instructions for use

According to the instructions, the dosage of Covinan for dogs depends on the animal's weight and intended use. If the drug is used to prevent or treat false pregnancy or lactation, the doses should be adjusted based on weight:

• up to 20 kg – 1 ml;
• from 20 to 40 kg – 2 ml;
• over 40 kg – 3 ml.

The medicine is administered once.

When using a medication to regulate sexual desire, the recommended doses should be observed:

1. For animals under 5 kg, 1-1.5 ml is required.
2. For dogs weighing from 5 to 10 kg, 1.5-2.5 ml should be administered.
3. For bitches weighing between 10 and 20 kg, 2.5-3.5 ml is required.
4. For pets weighing 20-30 kg, a single dose is 3.5-4.5 ml.
5. If the bitch's weight is between 30 and 45 kg, take 4.5-5.5 ml.
6. For animals weighing from 45 to 60 kg, 5.5-6 ml will be required.

To achieve persistent anestrus (resting state of the ovaries), long-term use of the medication is required according to the following regimen:

1. The first injection is given during the period of ovarian rest or proestrus (pre-heat).
2. The second injection is given after 3 months.
3. The third injection is administered 4 months after the previous injection.
4. The fourth and subsequent injections are given at intervals of 5 months.

If signs of pre-estrus appear in a female dog while using Covinan, the injections are administered early. The previous treatment regimen is then resumed. Skipping injections is not recommended, as this may reduce the therapeutic effect. If a dose is missed, treatment should be resumed as soon as possible.

Covinan can be used for a one-time prevention of estrus in female dogs. In this case, the medication is administered once at the above-mentioned dose upon the first signs of estrus. This is usually indicated by bloody discharge and vulvar enlargement.

To prevent a one-time heat episode, Kovinan is administered once during the ovarian rest period. Hormonal balance is restored within six months.

How to inject

The effectiveness of the medication depends on proper injection administration. According to the instructions for use, Covinan is administered subcutaneously to dogs, following these guidelines:

1. Shake the medicine well in the bottle and draw it into a syringe.
2. Massage the injection site lightly and wipe with rubbing alcohol.
3. Inject the medication into the center of the subcutaneous fold. Avoid injecting into fatty deposits or scar tissue. Intramuscular injection is strictly prohibited.

Please note that Kovinan cannot be combined with other hormonal drugs.

Contraindications and side effects

The drug is contraindicated for use in dogs in the following cases:

• during pregnancy;
• during lactation;
• during estrus;
• in case of prolonged vaginal discharge of an unusual nature;
• at diseases of the genitourinary system.

It is not recommended to administer Covinan before the first heat cycle. This medication should not be used in female dogs that have previously been treated with other hormonal medications.

If your pet suffers from diabetes, hormonal therapy should only be administered under a doctor's supervision. Strict blood sugar monitoring is essential.

In rare cases, the medication can cause side effects. Sometimes a local reaction occurs at the injection site. The hair in the area may become lighter and sometimes fall out. The following side effects may also occur:

• aggression;
• apathy;
• increased appetite;
• weight gain;
• swelling of the mammary glands;
• pyometritis;
• endometrial hyperplasia.

The risk of side effects increases when using Covinan in combination with similar medications. To avoid potential problems, consult your veterinarian. If side effects occur, discontinue use. Your pet will usually recover without further treatment, but if necessary, consult a veterinarian.

Owner reviews

Valentina, the hostess dachshunds:

"We used Kovinan on our dog twice. After that, we mated twice. No complications or side effects were observed. Our dachshund is now 12 years old. There is no history of cancer. She does have joint problems, but these are related to old age, not the use of the hormonal medication."

Victor, the owner of the shepherd dog:

"Our dog's heat cycle used to be pure hell. We have two male dogs next door. On top of that, she'd have bloody discharge, soiled carpets and furniture, and a terrible odor. We live in a small town, so spaying isn't an option. On the vet's advice, we started giving her Covinan injections. We've been using it for over two years now. I'm very pleased with the results. I read online about serious side effects, but we haven't had any."

Veterinarian Reviews

Galina, a veterinarian with 15 years of experience:

"I consider Kovinan the safest estrus suppressant for dogs. I've been using it in my practice for over five years. During this time, I've never had any side effects, even though the manufacturer warns of their possible occurrence in the instructions."

Antonina, a veterinarian with 11 years of experience:

"Covinan is one of the best medications for preventing heat. After a course, the dog is calm and doesn't emit an unpleasant odor, but this medication should only be used on healthy animals. I don't recommend dog owners administer this medication on their own. Before administering injections, it's important to conduct an examination to ensure the dog is healthy and has no urinary tract infections."

Read also:

• False pregnancy (pregnancy) in dogs
• Heat in dogs
• Obesity in dogs