Safety and efficacy of mid-term pregnancy termination using aglepristone in dogs.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To investigate effects and side effects of aglepristone in terminating pregnancy in bitches.

METHODS:

Twenty-two bitches were treated in mid-pregnancy with subcutaneous injections of aglepristone at a total dose of 20 mg/kg. Short-term follow-up (one to two weeks after treatment) included clinical examination and abdominal ultrasonography in 18 of the dogs. Long-term telephone follow-up was recorded for all 22 dogs.

RESULTS:

Pregnancy was terminated in 21 bitches (95 per cent). Signs of abortion occurred one to eight days after treatment. Vaginal discharge was evident in 17 (77 per cent) dogs. Obvious signs of parturition were seen in nine (41 per cent) dogs. Eight dogs (36 per cent) developed anorexia, and in two (9 per cent) of the dogs a local reaction at the injection site was evident. Two dogs developed pyometra two and four years after treatment, respectively.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:

Aglepristone, when administered in mid-gestation, is effective in terminating pregnancy. Side effects are few and transient.

• Authors: C H Pettersson, A Tidholm
• Journal: The Journal of small animal practice (J Small Anim Pract) Vol. 50 Issue 3 Pg. 120-3 (Mar 2009) ISSN: 1748-5827 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 19261081 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Abortifacient Agents
• Estrenes
• aglepristone

Topics

• Abortifacient Agents (administration & dosage, adverse effects, standards)
• Abortion, Induced (adverse effects, veterinary)
• Animals
• Dogs
• Estrenes (administration & dosage, adverse effects, standards)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Gestational Age
• Pregnancy
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Sweden
• Treatment Outcome
• Ultrasonography, Prenatal (veterinary)