Birth Control for Dogs: Mibolerone (Cheque Drops) & Ovaban (Megestrol Acetate)

In the United States, according to the Human Society three to four million dogs and cats euthanized (medical assisted death) each year, and many confined to cages in shelters, not enough homes or people to adopt these animals. Neutering (castration - Surgical remove of the male testicles thus no longer produce sperm. 1) and spaying (Surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus 2) eliminate unwanted future puppies, especially effective when owners of dogs do not desire, further breeding of their pet. 3 Neutering eliminates probability to develop tumors. 1 Sterilization (spaying) procedure done 6 to 18 months of age. Female dog undergoing a sterilization and never previously giving birth, can have a perfectly health life. 4 General disadvantages for neutering and spaying: Dogs who have preexisting health problems more prone to further complications, reduced metabolism may increase appetite or risk obesity, administered vaccinations may increase risk for adverse side effects, and other health concerns. 2 Alternative standard methods for controlling dog population growth use of contraceptives: Mibolerone (Cheque Drops) female dog birth control medication and Ovaban (Megestrol Acetate 4) medication postpone a female dog from going into heat. Megestrol Acetate advisable only for dogs that have already completed their first heat cycle (During the first of five stages when a female dog is in heat, begins with appearance of vaginal bleeding and frequent urination 6) 5

Mibolerone (Cheque Drops) approved by the Food and Drug Administration, (manufactured by Upjohn Company 13) as an anabolic (adrogenic) steroid or birth control usage for female dogs: Suppress the effects of estrogen and other hormones (Shutting down the cycle of female dog ovaries while in heat. 14), cause ovulation and eventual production of progesterone (produced by the ovaries to continue pregnancy process). Recommend administering the medication at least 30 days before female dog goes into the first stage of heat. The Cheque Drops nearly ninety percent effective. "It has been used to lengthen short cycles which cause infertility and to treat false pregnancies. The false pregnancy may recur when the medication is discontinued." 9 After Cheque Drops are discontinued, most bitches return to estrus stage ("standard heat" - Average time 4 to 21 days, when female dog will allow a male dog to breed her. 6) in four to six months. 16 Mibolerone may cause side effects: Increase clitoral size (treatable with medication), mounting other dogs, vaginal discharge, change in voice, reproductive tract lesions, increase in oily skin and body odor, and urinary incontinence. The medication is not recommended for use on female dogs with malignant tumors that occur near the anus, Bedlington Terriers or other breeds diagnosed with kidney or liver disease, and prevent usage on cats, cause liver disease or death. An overdose of mibolerone may decrease appetite, lethargy, and muscle pain or liver pancreatic or thyroid disease, increased tearing and may lead to death. 7 Also, Cheque Drops may cause yellow gums. 9 "Monitoring liver function is necessary especially in older bitches." Breeders of show dogs often use Mibolerone control their dogs from breeding, only during desired times. The steroid medication known to enhance muscular appearance tone in dogs and used by body builders. 8 Cheque Drops 5.9 times more potent as an anabolic agent (for athletes) and administered 30 to 40 minutes prior to an athletic event, however considered very toxic, especially when more than five milligrams administered per day. Long - term use may lead to human liver damage.14 "Should be also noted that veterinarians do not recommend using Cheque Drops until after a bitch has had her first full season." 12

Ovaban (Megestrol Acetate) prescribed tablets (medication manufacturer: Schering-Plough 11) approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) postpone heat cycles in dogs and treatment for false pregnancy. The number of days the medication administered depends on the stage the female dog is in heat: During proestrus stage (first stage 6) eight day course of treatment recommended and Anestrus stage (Fourth stage - "the resting time between heats which normally lasts about 5 months 6) a thirty-two day course of treatment recommended. 10 Calculating the daily dosage of Ovaban: Weight (kilograms/kg) Times (x) .055mg/kg/day equals (=) preferred daily milligrams dosage. MIke Richards, DVM said: "Almost always, it is best to use the recommended dosage of medication for the recommended time." 15 Also the prescribed medication treats certain skin conditions in cats, and other therapies. Ovaban administered to male dogs without FDA approval, conjunction with behavior training, control (reduce) male sexual behaviors including roaming, fighting, stop mounting, and other behaviors. When Ovaban causes side effects veterinarian should be contacted: Increase thirst or urination, temperament changes, liver damage, mammary gland enlargement, vaginal discharge, vomiting or yellow gums. Megestrol Acetate has a many limitations for use: Not recommended for more than two consecutive treatments, and never given to pregnant dogs, may result in small litters and dead puppies. Medication should not be administered to dogs diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (known to cause increase in insulin treatment to control diabetes melitus), uterine disease, mammary tumors or any reproductive organ disorders. "Do not allow dogs to become pregnant within 30 days of using the medication." Ovaban only fully effective after complete length of treatment." 10 Also, prescribed tablets (Ovaban) considered safer than Cheque Drops, however produce the same side effects.12

In 2008, Carnation Company expects to receive FDA approval for the sale of dog food laced with a birth control drug (mibolerone), under brand name Extra Care. Extra Care will be available in variety of flavors: Chicken, beef, chicken and liver, and gourmet dinner. Depending on the size of the female dog, a six and half ounce can of dog contains either 30 or 60 micrograms of mibolerone. The cost to purchase a can of laced birth control dog food approximately three cents more than Carnation regular dog food (30 Cents regular dog food can). If a male dog eats or consumes any of the female dog food, no harmful side effects. Manufacturer of Extra Care suggest initial production of laced dog food cans not be used more than two years. Barbara Royer, a spokesman for Carnation said: "Then we hope to be able to recommend it as a lifetme product". The label on Extra Care notify pet owners of Bedlington terriers the food is not recommended for their dogs, may cause health concern, if the dog has genetic liver defect reported in that breed. Also, the dog food may cause complications if a dog is exposed to a chemical, such as a pesticide or another medicine. Barbara Royer said regarding experiments leading up to seeking FDA approval of Extra Care: "the dogs on the drug outlived the control group that did not have the drug." 13

References:

1.) What is neutering? - http://www.ratbehavior.org/Neutering.htm

2.) Neutering - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spaying_and_neutering

3.) Dog - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog

4.) Reproduction -

http://www.seefido.com/html/the_female.htm

5.) Dog Birth Control - http://www.dog-birth-control.com/

6.) How do I know if my female dog is in heat? - http://www.pedigreedpups.com/female-dog-is-in-heat.html

7.) Mibolerone (Cheque Drops) - http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=0&cat=1466&articleid=1386

8.) Veterinary Drug Summaries: Mibolerance (for "Cheque Drops") - http://www.rxnations.com/DrugSummaries/animal/mibolerone.php

9.) ARTICLE BOY - http://www.articleboy.com/Article/Cheque-Drops---Mibolerone---A-Highly-Androgenic-Anabolic-Steroid/28562

10.) Prgestins (Ovaban) - http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=0&articleid=1470

11.) Ovan Tablets (20 mg) (Canada) - http://www.drugs.com/vet/ovaban-tablets-20-mg-can.html

12.) Birth Control Pills for Dogs - http://dogs.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Birth_Control_Pills_for_Dogs

13.) DOG FOOD IS PROPOSED, WITH A SECRET INGREDIENT: BIRTH CONTORL - http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=health&res=9E07E3D81739F933A25751C0A963948260

14) Cheque Drops - http://www.steroid.com/Cheque-Drops.php

15.) Ovaban and Cheques use in Dogs - http://www.vetinfo4dogs.com/dovaban.html

16.) Contraceptives for Dogs and Cats - http://arbl.cvmbs.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/reprod/petpop/contracep.html