Estrous Cycle Manipulation in Dogs

Abstract

Since 1939, scientists have studied estrous cycle manipulation in dogs resulting in more articles published in this field that any other area of canine reproduction. Estrous cycle manipulation in dogs must be safe and reliable. Dopamine agonists, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, and gonadotropins are hormones that have been used for estrus induction in bitches but each treatment has advantages and disadvantages. Despite widespread availability of these medications throughout the rest of the world, there are no drugs currently labeled for canine estrus induction in the United States.

Keywords: Dopamine agonist; Estrus induction; Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist.