Control of Oestrus and Ovulation in Dog and Cat: An Update

Control of oestrus in dog and cat can be divided into 2 parts, contraception and induction of oestrus and ovulation. For contraception, either dog or cat is operated by hormonal applications in the same way. Progestins have been used for a long time to postpone estrus with their major side effects. Nowadays, other hormonal remedies become more accepted such as a long term implants of GnRH agonist, GnRH vaccine and melatonin implant. Those preparations seem to exhibit good contraceptive impact with less unfavorable effect. For induction of estrus and ovulation, different approaches in dog and cat have been reported due to the differences in oestrus cycle characters. Dopamine agonist (Bromocriptine or Carbergoline) and short term GnRH implantation are stated to be successful protocols for fertile estrous induction in dog. Whilst in cat, a conventional administration of FSH and hCG appears to achieve the induction of oestrus and ovulation appropriately.