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
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.
Find a vet near you →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)
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.
Find a vet near you →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.
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.
Find a vet near you →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
The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.
Textbooks & handbooks — 5
- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)
Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
- AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
- ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
- RECOVER CPR Guidelines
Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2
- EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
- JVIM FAT CAT Study
Regulatory & approvals — 1
- CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
Databases — 1
- Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database