Chemical Sterilization of Male Puppies Approved
by Sherry Morse and Patricia Collier
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced that it had approved use of a chemical compound to neuter male dogs between 3 and 10 months old.
The approval for use of Neutersol, which causes the testicles and prostate to atrophy after being injected into the scrotum, was granted in March, but not announced until last month. No reason for the delay was given.
Before granting the approval, the FDA, which had never before authorized chemical sterilization of dogs, conducted a study to determine the effectiveness of Neutersol. According to Dr. Melanie Burson, who participated in conducting the study, only one of the 224 puppies into which the product was injected remained fertile.
The cost of having a dog sterilized with Neutersol is comparable to the expense involved in having a surgical sterilization performed.
"(Dog owners) now have a choice between surgery or an injection that takes only a few minutes," said Jim Howard, DVM, who owns and operates the Howard Veterinary Hospital in Jefferson City, MO.
Neutersol significantly reduces but does not end testosterone production. Therefore, roaming, scent marking and aggression may not be eliminated. In addition, susceptibility to testicular cancer, prostate disease and other testosterone-related illnesses may continue.
"(The injection may) not benefit the pet at all," Deborah Beck-Ross, DVM, who practices in West Grove, PA, stated. "(Neutersol may) reduce the (domestic animal) population by decreasing offspring, but increase disease in the adult pet population and shorten lifespans."
"Although this product is limited in scope, we’re excited about the FDA approving this first step in chemical sterilization," said Humane Society of the United States Director of Companion Animal Outreach Stephanie Shain.
"For people who may be unnecessarily squeamish about having their dog surgically neutered, Neutersol may be a suitable alternative for them to explore."
The FDA is currently considering approval of use of the product to sterilize dogs more than 10 months old and cats.
© 2003 Animal News Center, Inc.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced that it had approved use of a chemical compound to neuter male dogs between 3 and 10 months old.
The approval for use of Neutersol, which causes the testicles and prostate to atrophy after being injected into the scrotum, was granted in March, but not announced until last month. No reason for the delay was given.
Before granting the approval, the FDA, which had never before authorized chemical sterilization of dogs, conducted a study to determine the effectiveness of Neutersol. According to Dr. Melanie Burson, who participated in conducting the study, only one of the 224 puppies into which the product was injected remained fertile.
The cost of having a dog sterilized with Neutersol is comparable to the expense involved in having a surgical sterilization performed.
"(Dog owners) now have a choice between surgery or an injection that takes only a few minutes," said Jim Howard, DVM, who owns and operates the Howard Veterinary Hospital in Jefferson City, MO.
Neutersol significantly reduces but does not end testosterone production. Therefore, roaming, scent marking and aggression may not be eliminated. In addition, susceptibility to testicular cancer, prostate disease and other testosterone-related illnesses may continue.
"(The injection may) not benefit the pet at all," Deborah Beck-Ross, DVM, who practices in West Grove, PA, stated. "(Neutersol may) reduce the (domestic animal) population by decreasing offspring, but increase disease in the adult pet population and shorten lifespans."
"Although this product is limited in scope, we’re excited about the FDA approving this first step in chemical sterilization," said Humane Society of the United States Director of Companion Animal Outreach Stephanie Shain.
"For people who may be unnecessarily squeamish about having their dog surgically neutered, Neutersol may be a suitable alternative for them to explore."
The FDA is currently considering approval of use of the product to sterilize dogs more than 10 months old and cats.
© 2003 Animal News Center, Inc.
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