Front Page VSPN Message Boards Chat Library Continual Education Search MyVSPN - Coming Soon Help Frequently Asked Questions Send us Feedback! Go to VIN Industry Partners Go to VetQuest Go to Veterinary Partner Go to Y2Spay
 
Menu bar   Go to the VIN.com Portal
 

ABSTRACT OF THE WEEK

Journal of feline medicine and surgery
Volume 25 | Issue 5 (May 2023)

Reversible control of reproduction in tom cats: medical options for manipulating libido and fertility.

J Feline Med Surg. May 2023;25(5):1098612X231171406.
Lluis Ferré-Dolcet1, Stefano Romagnoli2
1 San Marco Veterinary Clinic and Laboratory, Padova, Italy.; 2 Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Italy.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:There has been a growing interest in alternatives to surgery for controlling reproduction in tom cats, and the resultant medical options add to a practitioner's toolbox when handling these cases in clinical practice. It is important, however, that when suggesting these drugs, veterinarians have a good understanding of their mode of action, and their correct use and dosage.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE:Breeders increasingly wish to be able to switch on/off the reproductive ability of their tom cats in a controlled manner. In addition, in small animal medicine, there has been concern from some academics, and a growing number of pet cat owners, about potential long-term effects of surgical sterilisation. Further, for some cats surgical castration may not be possible due to health conditions that mean anaesthesia is unsafe. In all of these scenarios, medical alternatives to surgery can prove useful.
EQUIPMENT AND TECHNICAL SKILLS:No special equipment or technical skills are required. A good knowledge of the medical alternatives to surgical sterilisation for controlling reproduction in a tom, and making sure the patient is a suitable candidate, are, however, important for ensuring the cat's health during and after treatment and the owner's satisfaction.
AUDIENCE:This review is aimed principally (but not exclusively) at veterinary practitioners working with cat breeders who seek a temporary arrest in their tom cat's reproduction. It may also help practitioners with clients who would like an alternative to surgery or with cats where anaesthesia for surgical castration is not possible.
EVIDENCE BASE:Advances in reproductive feline medicine have resulted in improved knowledge of medical contraception. This review draws on scientific evidence-based papers that report on the mode of action, length of efficacy and potential side effects of different methods of medical contraception, as well as the authors' own clinical experience.

Keywords
GnRH agonists; GnRH antagonists; Medical contraception; deslorelin; immunocontraception; melatonin; progestogens;

Article Tools:
   Medline
   Email to me

Archives Highlights:
Risk Factors for Injury in Border Collies Competing in Agility Competitions.
The jump height relative to the shoulder height was associated with injury, with dogs jumping noticeably above or below shoulder height more likely to report a history of injury. Other identified risk factors included the number of weekends spent competing/year, the number of competitions at the national level, the age when starting elbow height jumps and backside jumps, the acquisition of the dog from a breeder, and the age of the handler.
The Prevalence and Diagnosis of Feline Heartworm Infection
Visualization of supposed worm structures on echocardiography, in conjunction with a positive antigen test result, is as close to a definitive antemortem confirmation of adult heartworm infection as can be achieved.
Effective treatment with afoxolaner (NexGard) of Trixacarus caviae in a pet guinea pig.
The animal was treated with a single oral dose of 2.50 mg/kg afoxolaner, and the lesions, presence/absence of mites, and intensity of pruritus were evaluated periodically until 2 months post-treatment. A week after the medication, the lesions were milder, but pruritus was still present and was attributed to the healing process. Further examinations showed significant improvement with the complete remission of clinical signs and no mites at the microscopic examination after 4 weeks.
The Ideal Canine Companion: Re-Exploring Australian Perspectives on Ideal Characteristics for Companion Dogs.
The ideal dog was characterised as medium-sized, with a short- low- or non-shedding coat, and acquired as a puppy from a shelter/rescue. Desired traits included being affectionate, healthy, non-aggressive, safe with children, housetrained, non-destructive when alone, and not prone to escaping.
Owner survey suggests cats may be undertreated for pain compared to dogs after an elective ovariohysterectomy or orchiectomy.
Analgesics were prescribed for 19 of 162 (12%) pets: 14 of 88 (16%) dogs and 5 of 74 (6.7%) cats. There was no difference in the prescription of analgesics between dogs and cats after ovariohysterectomy or orchiectomy. 15 of 19 owners reported their compliance in administering analgesics at 78.9%. Owners' subjective assessments showed that 24 of 86 (28%) dogs and 12 of 68 (17%) cats appeared painful at home.

Back Print Save Bookmark in my Browser Email this article to me. Top of Page. VSPN AOW : Reversible control of rep...
Contact Us