Cabergoline in Dogs

Cabergoline Forms

• Cabergoline is a dopamine receptor agonist that has been used to treat hyperprolactinemic disorders in humans. Cabergoline comes as a white powder. The powder is soluble in alcohol but not in water. The drug can also be found in a tablet form.

Estrus and Anestrus

• Estrus, more commonly known as "heat," is the period in which mammals become sexually aroused and seek mates. Anestrus is the period of sexual inactivity between periods of heat.

Canine Study

• Medical studies have proven that cabergoline is an effective treatment for anestrus in dogs. In one study reported in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, healthy, pure-bred dogs with primary or secondary anestrus were given cabergoline for 16 days. All dogs in the study entered into proestrus, the period before heat when a female produces ovarian follicles.

Benefits

• Cabergoline treatment could help breeders who wish to mate dogs according to their own schedules. It may also help dogs who previously did not go into heat on their own.

Side Effects

• Recent medical studies have reported no side effects in dogs treated with cabergoline.

Warning

• Even well-educated breeders should not engage in drug therapy without the advice of a veterinarian. Consult with a local vet, especially those knowledgeable in dog breeding, before beginning cabergoline treatments.