ABSTRACT
During the last ten years, numerous species have been treated with deslorelin implants to induce contraception. The aims of the study were 1) to assess contraceptive efficacy of 4.7 mg subcutaneous deslorelin implants in rats, 2) to determine the latency of contraceptive effect, and 3) to determine potential side effects. Three experimental females were implanted and their estrous cycle was studied by vaginal smear. Two weeks after implantation, a male whose fertility was previously assessed with a control female, was introduced into their cage. No female conceived during the 4 mo following implantation. Additionally, 38 pet rats were recruited from clients in practice to test for potential side effects, including 6 males and 32 females with a mean age of 14 mo. Local reaction and transient weight gain during the first 2 wk, as well as behavioral changes were recorded. According to this pilot study, deslorelin implant could be used as a contraceptive method in female rats. The latency period is about 2 wk. Nevertheless, it might be possible to refine the treatment further using hormonal measurements. The duration of contraceptive effect is to be determined in an upcoming study.
Subject(s)
Contraceptive Agents/administration & dosage , Triptorelin Pamoate/analogs & derivatives , Animals , Drug Implants/adverse effects , Drug Implants/pharmacology , Estrous Cycle/drug effects , Female , Male , Pregnancy , Rats , Triptorelin Pamoate/adverse effects , Triptorelin Pamoate/pharmacologyABSTRACT
This is the first report documenting the presence of a high number of Cyniclomyces guttulatus yeasts in the faeces of a cat. The animal was initially presented with acute complaints of vomiting and diarrhoea. The patient responded well to oral salazosul-fapyridine but the stools remained soft and C. guttulatus yeasts were still present. After a course of nystatin (15,000 IU/kg bw q24 PO for 4 days) the stools were normal and no yeasts were found anymore (centrifugation/flotation/zinc sulphate). C. guttulatus occurs naturally in the digestive tract of rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rats and mice. It is occasionally found in massive numbers in the faeces of dogs with diarrhoea; part of these patients respond well to nystatin treatment. Recent experience indicates that the most effective dosage of nystatin for dogs and cats is 50.000 IU/kg q24 PO for 4 days.
