Induction of contraception in some African wild carnivores by downregulation of LH and FSH secretion using the XXXX analogue deslorelin.

@entity26407 @entity251 @entity1420 @entity235 @entity14301 @entity1176
The @entity1176 analogue deslorelin, in long-acting biocompatible implants, was used as a contraceptive in 31 @entity26407 (13 females and 18 males), 21 African wild @entity235 (15 females and 6 males), 10 lionesses and four @entity14301 (three females and one male). A dose of 12 or 15 mg deslorelin was administered to lions, whereas 6 mg deslorelin was administered to the other species. Monitoring consisted of observations, measurement of plasma @entity1420 and @entity251 concentrations, vaginal cytology and evaluation of semen and sex organs. Deslorelin induced contraception in lionesses for 12-18 months, and in female @entity26407 and @entity14301 for a minimum of 12 months after treatment. Two male @entity26407 had no viable spermatozoa or detectable plasma @entity251 21 months after treatment with deslorelin. Female wild @entity235 responded less consistently and one bitch conceived 4 weeks after implantation. However, in nine bitches, mating could be postponed until the next breeding season. Male @entity235 responded consistently and the contraception was effective for approximately 12 months. Although lionesses and @entity26407 may become attractive to males for a few days after treatment, mating was not observed. No side-effects or behavioural changes were noted, indicating that deslorelin is a safe drug to use for the contraception of the species described. Males remain fertile for the first 6 weeks after the insertion of implants and should be separated from cyclic females during this period.
