Suprelorin for dogs
Suprelorin is a biocompatible implant used for medical castration in dogs. It is manufactured by the French company Virbac. In Europe and Australia, it is widely used in veterinary medicine not only for dogs but also for cats and ferrets. The drug has only recently been available in Russia, so it is still gaining popularity. Its efficacy and safety have been confirmed in various clinical trials conducted by European specialists.
Content
General description
Suprelorin is an implant containing deslorelin acetate. It is cylindrical and small (no larger than a grain of rice). The implant is usually white or light yellow. It is available in two strengths: 4.7 and 9.4 mg of active ingredient. Only the lower strength version is supplied to Russia. It is possible to purchase a higher strength version through intermediaries, but it is best to avoid such services, as they increase the risk of purchasing a counterfeit.
Each implant is inserted into a sterile needle and individually packaged, along with a syringe used for administration. In addition to the active ingredient, the product itself contains lecithin, anhydrous sodium acetate, and specially purified palm oil.
Please note! This medication should only be stored at temperatures between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius. The refrigerator is an ideal storage location. Do not freeze this medication.
How it works
Suprelorin contains deslorelin, a synthetic analogue of a natural hormone involved in the synthesis of sex hormones. The active ingredient acts on the pituitary gland, resulting in the cessation of sex hormone production. The drug reduces libido and aggression in animals, if sexually induced. Male dogs respond calmly to females. Female dogs are unable to conceive while the drug is in effect. Even with accidental mating, no offspring will be produced.
Suprelorin doesn't take effect immediately. Female and male dogs can be housed together only after 6 weeks of implantation. The drug's safety is due to the fact that the active ingredient is released gradually and in small doses.
Important! During the first two weeks, Suprelorin may have the opposite effect—increasing libido. This is due to its effect on the pituitary gland.
The 4.7-dose deslorelin implant is effective for at least 6 months, and sometimes longer. The duration of action depends on the animal's weight and body characteristics. After the drug's effects wear off, fertility is fully restored within 6-12 months. All processes induced by the active substance are reversible.
When is it applied?
According to the instructions, Suprelorin is used in dogs to temporarily induce infertility. It is well suited for stud dogs and bitches on planned "rest." Breeders periodically take breaks from breeding to allow the animals' bodies to recover and grow stronger. This way, the resulting puppies will be healthy and strong.
The implant can also be used for pets for whom surgery is contraindicated, such as those who cannot undergo anesthesia. In European countries, Suprelorin is often used for older dogs, for whom surgery could be fatal.
With regular use of the implant (every 6 months), male and female dogs can be housed together. For this reason, the drug is sometimes used in kennels and shelters.
Since Suprelorin initially increases libido and sex hormone production, it is sometimes used before mating. To be fair, this practice is rare, as the implant must be removed after mating, which causes additional stress for the animal.
Because the medication affects the endocrine system, it is sometimes used to treat conditions caused by hormonal imbalances. In such cases, only a doctor can prescribe the drug.
How to apply
Suprelorin is administered subcutaneously. The procedure is very similar to microchipping. It must be performed by a veterinarian. Aseptic and antiseptic precautions must be observed when administering the drug. If the animal has long hair, the area around the injection site must be trimmed.
The procedure itself is performed as follows:
- Remove the protective cap from the needle.
- Using the threaded connection, screw the needle with the implant onto the syringe included in the kit.
- The skin between the shoulder blades needs to be pulled back by hand.
- Insert the needle under the skin to its full length.
- Move the piston all the way in.
- Slowly withdraw the needle while applying pressure to the skin at the injection site.
- Make sure that the implant does not remain in the needle.
- Hold the epidermis for another 30 seconds.
The procedure must be repeated every 6 months. Since the product is biocompatible, it does not need to be removed. If necessary, the implant can be removed within 4 months after insertion. It can be detected using ultrasound. It is removed surgically. If more than 4 months have passed since insertion, Suprelorin will not be detectable even with ultrasound.
Please note! Do not inject the product into fatty tissue. Doing so may significantly reduce its effectiveness and prevent the desired results.
Contraindications and side effects
Suprelorin is considered safe for animals and can be used on a wide range of breeds. The only contraindications are pregnancy and lactation. If your pet weighs less than 10 kg or more than 40 kg, consult a veterinarian.
Clinical trials confirmed the drug's safety. Even with the simultaneous administration of 10 implants, no overdose symptoms were observed. Side effects include testicular shrinkage throughout the drug's duration of action. In females, the uterus may shrink, but this can only be detected by ultrasound.
Some animals experience a local reaction at the Suprelorin injection site, including inflammation and swelling. This usually resolves spontaneously within a few days and does not require any special intervention. A collagen capsule may also form at the injection site, but this does not pose any significant harm to the animal.
Advantages and disadvantages
Suprelorin, a European development, has not yet gained widespread popularity in Russia. Among the advantages of this innovative medication are:
- Safety. Confirmed by clinical studies. Since the active ingredient is released in small doses, it does not have a significant impact on the hormonal system.
- Efficiency. Animals lose interest in the opposite sex and the ability to reproduce for at least six months.
- Reversibility of processes. After the implant wears off, reproductive ability is fully restored.
Using this product can be an excellent alternative to traditional sterilization if your pet cannot undergo surgery.
Among the disadvantages, it's worth noting the need to consult a veterinarian. You shouldn't insert the implant yourself without the necessary training.
Price
Some people are put off buying Suprelorin for dogs by the price—a single dose costs 4,500-5,500 rubles. Furthermore, the medication is not sold in regular veterinary pharmacies. It can only be purchased online. It is often sold on a pre-order basis.
Some dog owners ask friends to bring the medication from Europe, but in this case, it's important to remember that the medication must be transported at a temperature no higher than 8 degrees Celsius. In other words, refrigeration is required for transport.
Owner reviews
Ksenia, Scottish Setter breeder:
"We used Suprelorin on two male dogs. Both tolerated the procedure well, with no side effects. The younger male (3 years old) was successfully used for mating just six months after the drug's effects wore off. The duration of action varies from dog to dog—7 to 10 months."
Albina, the owner of the Spitz:
"We used Suprelorin to treat our dog's alopecia. It appeared after neutering. Combined with other medications, including topical ones, the implant produced good results – his coat gradually began to regrow, but the treatment was complex and lengthy."
Veterinarian Reviews
Margarita, a veterinarian at a St. Petersburg clinic:
"Suprelorin has long been used in developed countries as the safest method for chemical castration. I only recently started using it myself. It's too early to talk about possible cancer-related consequences, as not enough time has passed. Dogs tolerate the implant well, but I recommend using it only in animals that are not suitable for surgery."
Grigory, a veterinarian with 6 years of experience:
"My experience with Suprelorin is limited so far, as it's only recently been introduced to Russia. Furthermore, the price is very high. Overall, my impressions are positive. I've only noticed that the uterus in females shrinks significantly with use, so I believe their fertility may not be restored. For older animals and dogs that can't tolerate anesthesia, this is the best castration method. Unlike the popular veterinary method, Kovinana, has no life-threatening side effects."
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