Continuous GnRH stimulation causes downregulation of GnRH receptors, suppressing FSH and LH release; leads to chemical castration (suppression of testosterone/estrogen)
At a glance
Class
GnRH agonist (gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue)
Storage
Refrigerate at 2–8°C; do not freeze
Dosing
Chemical castration / Fertility suppression / Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Route
SC implant (interscapular)
Frequency
4.7mg: every 6 months; 9.4mg: every 12 months
Duration: Reversible; fertility returns after implant wears off
Fertility suppression (off-label)
Frequency
Every 6–18 months (variable in cats)
Duration: Duration variable; monitor for return of estrus
Safety
Adverse effects
Common
Mild swelling at implant site
Initial testosterone flare (2 weeks)
Behavioral changes
Serious
Testicular atrophy (expected)
Bone marrow suppression (cats — if overly prolonged)
Testosterone levels (4 weeks post-implant)Testicular sizeProstatic assessment (ultrasound)
Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Deslorelin?
Deslorelin is a gnrh agonist (gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue) used in pets. Continuous GnRH stimulation causes downregulation of GnRH receptors, suppressing FSH and LH release; leads to chemical castration (suppression of testosterone/estrogen)
›What is Deslorelin used for in pets?
Deslorelin is used in veterinary medicine for: Chemical castration / Fertility suppression / Benign prostatic hyperplasia; Fertility suppression (off-label).
›What is the Deslorelin dose for dogs?
For dogs, Deslorelin is typically dosed as follows — Chemical castration / Fertility suppression / Benign prostatic hyperplasia: 4.7–9.4 mg implant SC implant (interscapular) 4.7mg: every 6 months; 9.4mg: every 12 months. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Deslorelin dose for cats?
For cats, Deslorelin is typically dosed as follows — Fertility suppression (off-label): 4.7 mg implant SC implant Every 6–18 months (variable in cats). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Deslorelin?
Common: Mild swelling at implant site, Initial testosterone flare (2 weeks), Behavioral changes. Serious (call your vet immediately): Testicular atrophy (expected), Bone marrow suppression (cats — if overly prolonged).
›Does Deslorelin need a prescription?
Yes. Deslorelin is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
References
CDSCO approvals (India) — 1
Deslorelin Acetate 4.7 mg subcutaneous Implant for dogs.,
M/s Virbac Animal Health India pvt ltd · Approved 18.02.2022
for the induction of temporary infertility in healthy entire sexually mature male dogs.
Source: CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
References
Textbooks & handbooks
- Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
- Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
- Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
- National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
- The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/
Clinical guidelines & consensus
- Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
- American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.
Journals & peer-reviewed studies
- Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
- Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Regulatory & approvals
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/
Databases
- Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
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