Non-Surgical Contraception in Male Dogs and Cats: Mechanisms and Clinical Perspectives
World's Veterinary Journal, cilt.16, sa.3, ss.1088-1095, 2026 (Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 16 Sayı: 3
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.54203/scil.2026.wvj100
- Dergi Adı: World's Veterinary Journal
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1088-1095
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Cat, Chemical castration, Dog, Gonadotropin-releasing hormone, Immunocontraception
- Hatay Mustafa Kemal Üniversitesi Adresli: Hayır
Özet
Surgical sterilization is widely used for population control and reproductive management in dogs and cats; however, its irreversible nature has increased interest in non-surgical contraceptive methods. Hormonal approaches, including progestins, GnRH agonists, and GnRH antagonists, as well as immunocontraceptive and chemical methods, have been investigated for fertility control in male dogs and cats. The present review summarizes the current literature on non-surgical contraceptive methods in male dogs and cats, focusing on their mechanisms of action, effectiveness, reversibility, duration of effect, and reported side effects. Non-surgical approaches include GnRH agonists and antagonists administered systemically or via implants, immunocontraceptive methods, and chemical castration agents administered by intratesticular or intraepididymal injection. GnRH agonists have been reported to provide prolonged and reversible suppression of reproductive function, whereas GnRH antagonists generally have a more rapid onset but a shorter duration of action. Immunocontraceptive methods can suppress testosterone concentrations and spermatogenesis, although their effects may vary among individuals. Chemical castration can impair spermatogenesis and semen quality, with outcomes depending on the chemical agent and administration technique. In conclusion, non-surgical contraceptive methods revealed potential for fertility control in male dogs and cats.