Description

Deslorelin is a synthetic hormone that stimulates the release of the pituitary hormones in the mare that cause ovulation from mature ovarian follicles. It's use permits the mare to be bred at an optimal time for conception with a higher rate of pregnancy.

It is manufactured as an implant that releases the drug continually for about 72 hours. It is also available in injectable form that allows between 16 to 21 hours of activity.

Usage

Deslorelin is used to stimulate hormones which facilitate the breeding of mares at an optimal time, leading to a higher rate of successful pregnancy.

Deslorelin is regularly used in non-pregnant broodmares for the management of their heat cycle.

Dosage and Administration

Deslorelin
Method	Dosage (click row for calculator)	Concentration	Period	Duration
Intramuscular injection1	1 ml	1.8 mg/ml	48 hours prior to ovulation2	NA
Notes: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. 1SucroMate™ Equine is a suspension of deslorelin and settling will occur over time. Warm the product for 2 minutes by rolling the vial between the palms (to reach room temperature), or allow the vial to sit for 30 minutes at room temperature prior to administration. Shake the vial vigorously for 1 minute before use. Administer a 1 mL intramuscular injection into the thick musculature of the neck. 2Prior to administration, it should be determined by rectal palpation and/or ultrasonography that the cyclic estrous mare has an ovarian follicle greater than 30 mm in diameter. Calculator is for educational purposes only. Follow your veterinarian's instructions regarding use of this, or any medication.

Side Effects

Injection sites may suffer local swelling, heat, and pain that usually responds readily to hot compresses and NSAIDs.

Precautions

Because deslorelin may prolong the inter-estrous interval for some mares that do not get pregnant on that cycle, some veterinarians remove the implant after ovulation in order to decrease the chance of this happening.

Deslorelin is FDA approved for use in horses and is a prescription drug. U. S. federal law restricts the use of the drug by or on the lawful written or oral order of a licensed veterinarian.

Commonly, no use for deslorelin exists with competition horses. It would be forbidden in any drug-free competition. Check with the proper regulatory group.

Interactions

No drug interactions are noted in drug literature.

Overdose

Accidental overdose by multiple injections could increase the possibility of a prolonged inter-estrous interval if the mare does not become pregnant.