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A new video produced in conjunction with the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and ITN, as part of the ground-breaking ‘Veterinary View’ series, is urging vets to offer dog owners a choice when it comes to castration. The video, produced with Virbac, follows the publication of research¹ showing just over half of veterinary surgeons say they currently offer alternatives to surgical neutering. To be launched at this year’s BVA Member’s Day in Bristol on the 22nd September 2016, the video seeks to show that medical castration can offer an appropriate solution in many types of cases and can bring additional benefits to both the patient and to the practice.

In a survey of 411 vets looking at attitudes to castration, 76% of those questioned recommending neutering as a routine procedure for all male dogs, whilst only 52% said they offered clients alternatives to surgical neutering. The study was carried out by Dr Vicki Adams MRCVS, a veterinary epidemiology consultant, and was supported by Virbac. Commenting, she said: “The survey showed that, while most vets recommended permanent neutering as a routine procedure, more than 90% also agreed that medical castration was an option when an owner wants to assess whether castration will improve a male dog’s behaviour.”

Virbac produces Suprelorin, a slow-release implant containing the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist deslorelin. Once injected under the dog’s skin, the continuous slow release of deslorelin causes an interruption of the pituitary gonadal axis, reducing testosterone production and suppressing testicular reproductive function including libido. Available in two sizes, Suprelorin will provide temporary reversible castration for at least six or 12 months.

Commenting, Sarah Dixon MRCVS, Virbac Product Manager, said: “The decision as to whether to permanently castrate their dog is something that some owners can struggle with, yet from a health and lifestyle perspective, there are many good reasons to do it.

“While surgical castration is the most common solution, and in many cases is the right option, it is not the only solution and medical castration may offer specific benefits in many types of cases. It is useful, for instance, for owners who want to try a temporary and reversible solution when the permanent effect of castration may be uncertain or unknown. We know some owners of working dogs or breeders like the ability and effects of temporarily castrating their dog with a view to potential breeding at a later date.

“It is important that owners are aware of all of the options open to them so that they can make an informed decision. We are keen to work with veterinary practices to raise awareness of the choices available and hope the ‘Veterinary View’ video will help us do that. It can be viewed at www.virbac.co.uk/suprelorin.”

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For further information, practices are asked to contact their Virbac Territory Manager. Founded by a veterinary surgeon, Virbac is dedicated to supporting the veterinary profession through the development of innovative products and services, which help animals to lead longer, healthier lives. One of the largest independent veterinary pharmaceutical companies in the world, its wide product portfolio includes many market-leading and award-winning products for large and small animals.

20 September 2016

¹ Attitudes to and opinions of neutering in dogs: Results of a Canine Reproduction Survey of Veterinary Surgeons, Vicki J Adams BSc (Agr) DVM MSc PhD MRCVS. The survey was conducted online. 411 veterinary surgeons, 97 veterinary nurses and 173 members of the public participated.