The purpose of this study was to describe reproductive and clinical parameters as a result of dexamethasone administration in order to terminate unwanted pregnancy in bitches. Five pregnant adult bitches, clinically healthy, were used. Animals were orally administered 0.2 mg/kg of dexamethasone every 12 hours during 6 days and thereafter, the dose was gradually reduced till 0.02 mg/kg on day 10. Ultrasound scan, body temperature, plasma progesterone, and behaviour were recorded throughout the study. The gestation was satisfactorily interrupted in 4 out of 5 bitches, where absorption or abortion occurred between 7 to 16 days after the beginning of the treatment. In the remaining animal, the interruption was partial (absorption and birth of immature puppies). Body temperature felt 1.0 - 1.5 ºC prior to the absorption or abortion. Progesterone concentration descended at day 4 of treatment ...

The purpose of this study was to describe reproductive and clinical parameters as aresult of dexamethasone administration in order to terminate unwanted pregnancy inbitches. Five pregnant adult bitches, clinically healthy, were used. Animals were orallyadministered 0.2 mg/kg of dexamethasone every 12 hours during 6 days and thereafter,the dose was gradually reduced till 0.02 mg/kg on day 10. Ultrasound scan, bodytemperature, plasma progesterone, and behaviour were recorded throughout the study.The gestation was satisfactorily interrupted in 4 out of 5 bitches, where absorption orabortion occurred between 7 to 16 days after the beginning of the treatment. In theremaining animal, the interruption was partial (absorption and birth of immature puppies).Body temperature felt 1.0 - 1.5 ºC prior to the absorption or abortion. Progesteroneconcentration descended at day 4 of treatment and absorp...