Suprelorin Implant Hormone for Male Dogs

Regretfully, every year at humane society shelters over 15 million or more dogs (and cats) are euthanized, not enough people will adopt these pets and provide required humane care or able to afford to care for an adopted dog (or puppy) (1). Neutering (altering, castration, fixing or orchidectomy (2)) -- removal of the testicles by a surgical procedure, requiring a general anesthesia and administrating a painkiller (or spaying female dogs); Prevents over population or unnecessary breeding of puppies, most will not be adopted or eventually be euthanized. Certainly, many criticize neutering and spaying. The dog must be good health, at the right age (about six months old) and up to date with all vaccinations before Neutering (2). Sometimes pet owners neuter their dogs at an older age, but the pet must be in good health, especially normal function of the kidneys and liver to be safely anesthetize (2). Advantage of neutering, dogs tend to have few health problems in the future: Prostate problems are reduced and testicular cancer is no longer a future concern, besides few hernias (3). Neutered dogs no longer feel the need to seek out a mate and dogs will not urinate throughout the house or outside (yard) mark a territory. Tendency of neutered dogs will be gentle, and less desired to engage in fights with other animals (4). Neutered dogs will be more attentive or better students during training, then being distracted by pheromonal stimuli, airborne chemical attraction female dogs liberate when in heat (5).

Peptech Animal Health an Australian biotechnology company (15) and a subsidiary of Peptech Ltd in Macquarie Park; Manufactures related products for pharmaceutical and veterinary industries (6). The biotech company developed a temporary (six months or twelve months) contraceptive implant (12 mm long and 2.3 mm thick (7)) for male dogs called Suprelorin: Slowly releases deslorelin hormone, makes male dogs infertile or temporarily blocks the testosterone production and reduces aggressive behavior (8 & 7). Implanted under the skin between the shoulders, similar to a microchip implant. Superlorin proven affective during trials: Controlling populations of Lions, Elephants, Monkeys, Cheetahs, Dolphins, Seals, Kangaroos, and Koalas. The biocompatible implant softens and dissolves (disappears) over time (7). The hormone deslorelin is a treatment for human prostate cancer. Suprelorin is available in commercial quantities in Australia (Started in late 2004 (8 & 7) and New Zealand (9/2005) (7 & 9). Cost between AUS$60 ($52) and AUS$90 ($77) a dose (6 months or 12 months). In March 2007, European Medicines Agency recommended that European Commission authorize the marketing of Suprelorin in July 2007 (8).

According to news release by Peptech Ltd, dated January 31, 2007, "With the continued increase in Suprelorin(R) sales in Australia over the last year, we are confident that the increased convenience provided by the 12-month product will generate greater market penetration" -- said Dr. Schober. "Suprelorin(R) sales in Australia increased by 20% over the last six months to December 2006 compared with the previous six months and by over 50% from the previous year," (10). Results of trial studies: Suprelorion after five consecutive treatments, shown fertility returns after treatment end (13). "Peptech Animal Health Marketing and Technical Services Manager Dr Katie Yeates said the Suprelorin12® solution offered dog owners the convenience and surety of fertility control with a treatment which can be administered with the animal's annual vaccination" (16).

Advantages Suprelorin compared to neutering: Dogs neutered unable to be presented at dog shows because their testicles have been removed and need to be intact. Dog owners may want to breed their pet later in life, than in earlier years. Supreloin temper any behavioral problems during the first few years. If the pet owner wants to place their dog for adoption or sale in the future, a neutered dog may be less desirable, because their testicles were surgically removed (7). Dr. Tim Trigg, managing director for Peptech Animal Health (Sydney, Australia) said: "Some male owners, particularly those with 'macho' breed of dogs, are not keen to castrate their pets," (11). Implanting the hormone release requires no anesthetic and there is no discomfort compared to neutering (13).

A carefully implanted Supreloin (instruction provided with the implant) prevents breakage, could occur if the implant was to be removed before the depletion of the hormone deslorelin (12).

David McDowel, veterinary consultant for the United Kingdom Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals commented regarding the oral contraceptives use in female cats for years, long -- term linked to breast tumors or uterus infections. Regarding the implanted Suprelorin,
Mr. McDowel concerned similar use in dogs may cause the same health concerns for cats: "Provided owners use them within the manufacturer's guidelines, we would welcome the new drug. However, if dog owners don't want to use the pet for breeding, we believe neutering is the best option". (8)

Peptech biotechnology company future plans to seek approval from the Food and Drug Administration for the sale of Supreloin in the United States (11). Also, company seeking to tap into the global market of an estimated 86 million pets selling deslorelin hormone implant (14).

1 - MY-PET-MEDICINE NETWORKS - Neuteringyour pet recommended
2 - animalhealthchannel - Neutering
3 - DogsOnly.org - Neuterig - Why it's a Good Idea
4 - PetPlace.com - Pros and Cons of Spraying and Neutering in Dogs
5 - Pets.ca - Tip 72 -Dog pheromones cat pheromones
6 - Goliath - Company profile - Peptech Ltd. - updated July 10, 2007
7 - Lowchensofaustralia.com - Suprelorin For Dogs
8 - NewScienceTech. Com - Dog contraceptive signals end to castration - Linda Geddes, Lyon - July 11, 2007
9 - Spayaustin.com - Link profile: Suprelorin
10 - hemscott.com - Peptech Limited - Supreloin12 Launch
11 - caninestore.com - World's First Pet Contraceptive And Pet Reproduction Service
12 - SUPRELORIN: DESLORELIN GnRH AGONIST IMPLANTS FOR CONTRACEPTION: RESEARCH INVESTIGATION
13 - peptech.com - Companion animal products Suprelorin
14 - accesslibrary.com - TRENDS & INNOVATIONS. (To The Point) - December 4, 2004
15 - theVeterinarian.com - Australian Biotech Company develops innovative contraceptive
16 - gbsventure.com - Suprelorin12 Registered in Australia - September 25, 2006