Termination of early pregnancies in bitches with aglepristone

Abstract

Unwanted pregnancies in the bitch could be terminated in mid-gestation by means of drugs suppressing the secretion or hindering the activation of progesterone. This could be attained either by repeated doses of prostaglandin F-2 alpha or doses of bromocriptin or cabergoline reducing the prolactin level. However, the use of these drugs are limited due to their adverse effects (Cinone et al., 2000). As a progesterone receptor antagonist which could be used during the entire gestation without having its effect, cause direct luteolysis on the corpus luteum in opposition to other drugs administered to terminate unwanted pregnancies, aglepristone is a good alternative for terminating pregnancy in the bitch (Fieni et al., 2001).