Contra-indications, warnings, etc
1. As with all progestagens, the possibility exists that the Cystic Endometrial Hyperplasia/pyometra complex may be seen as a side effect of the medication. In the clinical trials carried out with Delvosteron, however, the incidence of uterine disorders including pyometra, was only 0.3% overall and no cases occurred in bitches injected in pro-oestrus. The incidence of uterine changes was higher (1.4%) in animals which had previously received depot progestagens containing medroxyprogesterone acetate.
2. A transient increased appetite, lethargy and weight gain may be seen in some animals medicated with Delvosteron, but these side effects occur less frequently than with the first generation progestagens such as medroxyprogesterone acetate or megestrol acetate.
3. When using Delvosteron for the suppression of heat, it is important to ensure that the bitch is still in the early stages of pro-oestrus as an injection given in the later stages of pro-oestrus is unlikely to be effective at suppressing heat.
4. Bitches may accept the male for some days after medication with Delvosteron in pro-oestrus (suppression of heat). Thus contact with dogs should be prevented, wherever possible, until the signs of heat, vulval swelling and bleeding have fully regressed. This usually occurs within 5 days of dosing.
In bitches, the duration of postponement of oestrus following a dose of Delvosteron may on occasion be shorter than expected where the medicated animal is housed with other bitches. In such cases contact the Company for advice on possible alternative dosage regimes.
5. Delvosteron has been used to control heat in diabetic animals without altering insulin requirement. However, in other animals, the administration of Delvosteron has led to an increased insulin requirement. It is advised therefore that the product is used with caution in such animals and that urine sugar levels are observed carefully during the month after dosing.
6. A brief pain reaction may be seen immediately after injection. Since a slight local reaction, skin thinning and `pitting' together with some discolouration and loss of hair may occur very occasionally, it is advisable to inject Delvosteron subcutaneously on the medial side of the flank fold in thin skinned or show animals.
7. Very occasionally a local or systemic allergic/anaphylactic reaction may occur, necessitating immediate treatment with an appropriate corticosteroid, antihistamine or adrenaline.
8. Cases of false pregnancy that recur after a second dose of Delvosteron are better treated conservatively (restricted water intake, low carbohydrate diet, increased exercise, etc.) rather than being given further hormone medication. Delvosteron should not be administered to bitches which have been treated previously with oestrogens or other progestagens for the current false pregnancy.
9. A few cases of mammary hypertrophy following the use of Delvosteron in entire and neutered queens have been recorded, but proligestone appears less likely to induce the condition than first generation progestagens.
10. Delvosteron, in common with other progestagens, may cause adrenal suppression in some animals. It may be sensible therefore to administer glucocorticoids to animals being given the product for the permanent postponement of heat if they are subjected to excessive trauma, stress or require major surgery. However no problems have been reported by veterinary surgeons in practice in this respect.
For animal treatment only. Keep out of reach of children.