Discovered by an Arizona scientist, a new drug promises surgery-free sterilization for female dogs if approved by the FDA.
Dr. Loretta Mayer was conducting a study on artificial induction of menopause in mice when she and a colleague realized that ContraPest, SenesTech’s version of “mouseopause,” could offer the benefit of sterilization in female dogs. Mayer is optimistic that the drug could put a substantial dent in annual euthanasia statistics.
While the FDA approval process could take years, Arizona Humane Society medical services director Dr. Nancy Bradley feels strongly that chemical sterilization represents a substantial advance in the fight to control animal overpopulation.
.
“With spaying and neutering, each animal has to be given anesthesia,” Bradley said. “Any type of anesthetic is dangerous, and you’re taking a risk with that animal’s life. So, if there is some sort of chemical sterilization, that would be outstanding. It would be safer for the animal and more efficient for us.”
Mayer hopes the drug will allow animal shelters to use non-surgical means for sterilization. “I think that a lot of folks would rather give their dog a pill than make them have surgery,” Mayer said.
