Proligestone
Also known as: Delvosteron
Proligestone is an injectable hormone used to delay or stop your pet's heat cycle. * **Return to Heat**: After stopping the injections, it usually takes 6-7 months for your dog to go into heat again, but it is highly unpredictable and can take up to 3 years. * **Side Effects**: Watch closely for increased thirst, increased urination, or increased appetite. These can be early signs of diabetes or a serious uterine infection called pyometra. * **Behavior**: Your pet may seem more lethargic or depressed than usual. * **Injection Site**: You may notice a change in coat color or a small lump where the injection was given. Contact your vet if this area becomes irritated.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Suppression of oestrus
- Permanent postponement of oestrus
- Acromegaly
- Postponement of oestrus / Miliary dermatitis
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Unpredictable duration of anoestrus (up to 3 years in some bitches)
- Temperament changes (listlessness and depression)
- Polyuria and polydipsia (increased thirst)
- Polyphagia (increased appetite)
- Cystic endometrial hyperplasia / Pyometra
- Diabetes mellitus
- Acromegaly
- Adrenocortical suppression
- Mammary enlargement, lactation, or neoplasia
- Injection site irritation
- Coat colour changes at the injection site
- Calcinosis circumscripta at the injection site
Cautions & contraindications
- Diabetic animals (insulin requirements are likely to change unpredictably)
- Bitches before or at their first oestrus
- As coat colour changes may occasionally occur, injection into the medial side of the flank fold is recommended for thin-skinned or show animals. **Clinical Pearl**: While proligestone does not appear to be associated with as many or as serious adverse effects as older progestogens (e.g., megestrol acetate, medroxyprogesterone acetate), owners must still be thoroughly counseled on the risks of pyometra and diabetes mellitus.
Frequently asked questions
What is Proligestone used for in pets?
Proligestone is an injectable hormone used to delay or stop your pet's heat cycle. * **Return to Heat**: After stopping the injections, it usually takes 6-7 months for your dog to go into heat again, but it is highly unpredictable and can take up to 3 years. * **Side Effects**: Watch closely for increased thirst, increased urination, or increased appetite. These can be early signs of diabetes or a serious uterine infection called pyometra. * **Behavior**: Your pet may seem more lethargic or depressed than usual. * **Injection Site**: You may notice a change in coat color or a small lump where the injection was given. Contact your vet if this area becomes irritated.
Is Proligestone safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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