Proligestone

Proligestone In Dogs & Cats: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• Alters the transcription of DNA, leading to alterations in cellular metabolism which mimic those caused by progesterone.

Uses of Proligestone

• This medication is used for postponement of estrus in both female dogs (bitches) and female cats (queens).
• For thin-skinned or show animals, it is recommended to administer the injection into the medial side of the flank fold to reduce the risk of coat color changes.
• While it is authorized for use in miliary dermatitis in cats, specific glucocorticoids are generally preferred for this condition.

Dose of Proligestone in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

• 10–33 mg/kg depending on body weight:

Body weight (kg)          Dose (mg)
<5                                   100–150
5–10                                150–250
10–20                              250–350
20–30                              350–450
30–45                              450–550
45–60                              550–600
Thereafter                        10 mg/kg

• For the suppression of estrus in female animals, a single dose should be administered.
• If permanent postponement of estrus is desired, the first dose should be given preferably before the onset of pro-estrus, followed by a second dose 3 months later, a third dose 4 months after the second, and subsequent doses every 5 months thereafter.
• After discontinuing dosing, female animals may return to estrus, typically around 6-7 months later, but it may take longer in some cases.
• In the treatment of acromegaly, doses are administered as mentioned above, given monthly by injection until signs of hair growth are evident.

Cats:

• Oestrus postponement: 100 mg/cat s.c.
• Miliary dermatitis: 33–50 mg/kg s.c. repeated once after 14 days if the response is inadequate.

Side Effects of Proligestone in Dogs and Cats

• The duration of anoestrus (lack of estrus) in animals after using Proligestone cannot be reliably predicted, and some female dogs may remain in anoestrus for up to 3 years.
• Proligestone appears to have fewer and less severe adverse effects compared to other progestogens like megestrol acetate and medroxyprogesterone acetate.
• However, long-term use of progestogens, including Proligestone, may lead to various adverse effects, such as temperament changes (listlessness and depression), increased thirst or appetite, cystic endometrial hyperplasia/pyometra, diabetes mellitus, acromegaly, adrenocortical suppression, mammary enlargement/neoplasia, and lactation.
• Irritation at the site of injection is possible, and there have been reported cases of calcinosis circumscripta (calcium deposits) at the injection site.

Contraindications of Proligestone in Dogs and Cats

• Best avoided in diabetic animals, as insulin requirements are likely to change unpredictably.
• Do not give to bitches before or at first oestrus.

Some Notes: