Gonadorelin
Gonadorelin is used in veterinary medicine for ovulation induction.
Group
GnRH analogue
Mechanism of Action
Stimulates pituitary LH and, to a lesser extent, FSH release.
Dose Rates
Dog
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ovulation induction | Reference only | IM | Source: 50–100 mcg/dog “per day” every 24–48 hours. Salt basis and schedule wording require clarification. | |
| Cryptorchidism stimulation test | 50 mcg | IM | Once | Collect baseline testosterone and repeat sampling 2–3 hours after injection. |
| Cryptorchidism stimulation test | 2.5 mcg/kg | IM | Once | Collect baseline and 60–90 minute testosterone samples. A 25 mcg fixed alternative is described for very small dogs without a weight cutoff; do not automatically substitute it. |
| Cystic ovarian disease | 3.3 mcg/kg | IM | Every 24 h | Up to 3 days; Assess progesterone after 1–2 weeks; a value above 2 ng/mL supports response. |
| Reduced libido | 50–100 mcg | IM | Every 168 h | Up to 42 days; Anecdotal weekly course lasting 4–6 weeks. |
Cat
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ovulation induction | Reference only | IM | 25 mcg per cat once; source does not specify salt/base basis. |
Cattle
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Follicular ovarian cysts | 100 mcg | IM | Once | Gonadorelin amount, supplied as hydrochloride in the 50 mcg/mL Factrel formulation; equivalent to 2 mL. Follicular ovarian cysts in cows and replacement heifers. |
| Follicular ovarian cysts | Reference only | IV | 100 mcg per cow once is stated for diacetate tetrahydrate; hydrochloride is separately stated for IM use. Salt-labelled and gonadorelin-equivalent strengths are not interchangeable. | |
| Reproductive synchronization | Reference only | IM | Factrel-based timed-insemination framework: gonadorelin 100–200 mcg IM on day 0; dinoprost 25 mg IM 6–8 days later; a second gonadorelin 100–200 mcg IM dose 30–72 hours after dinoprost; timed insemination 0–24 hours after that dose, or breeding on observed estrus. Combined calendar protocol, not a single-dose calculator regimen. |
Ferret
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Persistent estrus | 20 mcg | IM | Most effective about 14 days after estrus onset; repeat in one week if necessary. |
Indications
- Ovulation induction
- Follicular ovarian cysts
- Reproductive synchronization
Contraindications
- Pregnancy unless a specifically justified reproductive protocol applies.
Interactions
- No specific animal interactions reported.
Adverse effects
- Excessive endocrine effects are possible; specific adverse reactions are not described.
Preparations
| Preparation | Form | Strength | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gonadorelin diacetate tetrahydrate 50 mcg/mL Source explicitly states equivalent to 43 mcg/mL gonadorelin. | Injection | 50 mcg / mL | IM, IV |
| Gonadorelin as hydrochloride 50 mcg/mL Strength expressed as gonadorelin, not hydrochloride salt mass. | Injection | 50 mcg / mL | IM |
Monitoring and Administration
Monitor ovulation and reproductive response. Prevent handler exposure, especially during pregnancy.
Hydrochloride and diacetate-tetrahydrate labelled strengths must be distinguished; the source equates 50 mcg diacetate tetrahydrate with 43 mcg gonadorelin.