Dinoprost for Animals

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Dinoprost

Dinoprost is naturally occurring prostaglandin F2alpha supplied in veterinary products, commonly as the tromethamine salt. It is used for luteolysis, control of the estrous cycle and selected reproductive disorders in cattle, horses and pigs. Its uterine smooth-muscle effects also contribute to specialist medical treatment of selected reproductive conditions in small animals.

Group

Prostaglandin F2-alpha

Mechanism of Action

Dinoprost activates prostaglandin F receptors in luteal tissue and uterine smooth muscle. In a responsive corpus luteum, it causes functional and structural regression with a decline in progesterone secretion. This can permit return to estrus or termination of a progesterone-dependent pregnancy. Direct stimulation of uterine contractions supports evacuation of uterine contents and contributes to parturition-induction protocols.

Dose Rates

Dog

Use / stageDoseRouteScheduleInstructions
Open pyometra0.1–0.2 mg/kgSCEvery 24 hUp to 5 days; Do not use in: IV administration
Pregnancy termination0.025–0.05 mg/kgIMEvery 12 hDo not use in: IV administration

Cat

Use / stageDoseRouteScheduleInstructions
Open pyometra0.1–0.25 mg/kgSCEvery 24 hUp to 5 days; Do not use in: IV administration
Pregnancy termination0.5–1 mg/kgIMDo not use in: IV administration; Two injections; the source does not specify their interval.
Pregnancy termination2 mgIMEvery 24 hBegin on gestation day 33; monitor vomiting, diarrhea and marked weakness.

Cattle

Use / stageDoseRouteScheduleInstructions
Pregnancy termination25 mg/animalIMOnceDo not use in: IV administration; For pregnancy termination, source limits use to the first 100 days of gestation.
Pyometra25 mg/animalIMOnceDo not use in: IV administration
Estrus synchronization25 mg/animalIMOnceDo not use in: IV administration; One injection, or a second injection after 10–12 days. Breed relative to estrus; timed breeding around 80 hours after the second injection is described.
Pyometra repeated-dose protocolReference onlyIM25 mg twice, eight hours apart. Assess uterine evacuation by palpation or ultrasonography before breeding.

Horse

Use / stageDoseRouteScheduleInstructions
Estrus synchronization5–10 mg/animalIMOnceDo not use in: IV administration; Equivalent to 1–2 mL of 5 mg/mL injection. Alternative source amount: 1 mg per 45 kg; return to estrus commonly 2–4 days.

Pig

Use / stageDoseRouteScheduleInstructions
Induction of parturition10 mg/animalIMOnceDo not use in: IV administration; Within 3 days of predicted farrowing; onset commonly around 30 hours.
Estrus groupingReference onlyIMAt 15–55 days gestation give 15 mg, followed 12 hours later by 10 mg. This induces abortion; estrus generally returns 4–5 days later.

Goat

Use / stageDoseRouteScheduleInstructions
Pseudopregnancy5 mgIMOnce
Pregnancy termination5–10 mgIMReported throughout pregnancy; abortion may occur in 4–5 days.
Estrus synchronizationReference onlyIMCycling animals: 8 mg on estrous-cycle day 4, repeated 11 days later. Estrus is expected about two days after the second injection.

Sheep

Use / stageDoseRouteScheduleInstructions
Pregnancy termination10–15 mgIMRestricted to the first two months of pregnancy in this regimen; effect may take 72 hours.
Estrus synchronizationReference onlyIMCycling animals: 8 mg on estrous-cycle day 5, repeated 11 days later. Estrus is expected about two days after the second injection.

Indications

  • Estrus synchronization and induction of luteolysis in cattle and mares with a responsive corpus luteum.
  • Treatment of bovine pyometra, selected chronic endometritis or luteal cysts associated with persistent luteal activity.
  • Induction of parturition in pigs near the expected farrowing date.
  • Pregnancy termination or expulsion of a mummified fetus in cattle within an appropriate reproductive protocol.
  • Specialist medical treatment of selected canine open-cervix pyometra.
  • Selected pregnancy-termination protocols in small animals, generally within a supervised combination reproductive regimen.

Contraindications

  • Never IV
  • Pregnancy unless termination/parturition is intended
  • Closed-cervix pyometra without an appropriate treatment plan

Interactions

  • Oxytocin increases uterine stimulation and rupture risk.

Adverse effects

  • Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort
  • Bronchoconstriction
  • Retained placenta after pregnancy termination

Preparations

PreparationFormStrengthRoute
Dinoprost injection 5 mg/mL
SC small-animal use is extralabel; never IV.		Injection5 mg / mLIM, SC

Monitoring and Administration

Pregnant people and people with respiratory disease must avoid handling; skin absorption is possible.

Confirm a responsive corpus luteum where required. Monitor estrus, uterine evacuation and systemic response.

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