Chemical Neuter

[lilspaz68]

I have never dealt with one, and wondered if anyone could share what they know about them?

The different types (Lupron, Implant, etc), how it is done, any pricing you can give?

 

[Unepuce]

I am still at the contemplation stage, but I know Victoria has had a few made. Not sure she had any done on males, though... but she could help with general and probably research info as well - I consider her a ratty health journal encyclopedia! :giggle:

 

[Dazzle87]

We considered the injectable kind (lupron I think?) but found it way more expensive than a spay. I wish I remembered the price, but it was high for something that would have to be repeated (my vet said her research showed it didn't last as long in rats as it does in ferrets or something). I ended up going for a spay after discussing it with my vet (this was when Dazzle was having issues with the mammary cysts).

 

[jorats]

Someone here had the implant done and they say it works great. Oh I wish I could remember who.

 

[jorats]

It was MissGuardian.
Her latest update about the chip:

Update January 12th
The hormone chip seems to have done the trick. They hardly ever argue now, and not nearly to the same extent.
He still sleeps a fair bit alone, but as far as I can tell, he wants it that way. Thank you for any advice!

 

[lilspaz68]

We considered the injectable kind (lupron I think?) but found it way more expensive than a spay. I wish I remembered the price, but it was high for something that would have to be repeated (my vet said her research showed it didn't last as long in rats as it does in ferrets or something). I ended up going for a spay after discussing it with my vet (this was when Dazzle was having issues with the mammary cysts).

do you remember how long the Lupron lasted? 3 months or something like that? he is an older boy so it might not be such a bad thing to consider.

 

[MissGuardian]

It was MissGuardian.
Her latest update about the chip:

Update January 12th
The hormone chip seems to have done the trick. They hardly ever argue now, and not nearly to the same extent.
He still sleeps a fair bit alone, but as far as I can tell, he wants it that way. Thank you for any advice!

We still don´t know for sure how much it´s working yet(aka Nirvana´s still a b***h from time to time:giggle: ), but I still think it´s worth a shot and that it has helped.
And over here it´s half the price of a regular neuter. I don´t know how long the implant works tho, so if someone knows, please let me know.

 

[victoria]

Oscar is implanted It cost $185 vs. $197 for a surgical neuter. I had to get him done because I discovered I am allergic to intact males (cleaning his cage and handling him would make me have a LOT of trouble breathing) and my allergies went away almost immediately after. (I had Monty that was neutered before and never had issues so I knew a neutered male would be fine.) His 'package' shrunk considerably but is not gone completely like a neutered male (I'll take pics tonight). They're thought to last 18 months or more (maybe even as long as 3 years) but no one knows for sure and it also varies by individual - with some dogs or cats, if the implants wore off early/late first time, they always do.

I've never used Lupron with males but I'm using it for Maggie (VERY old female who was found as a stray) because of her huge tumour. The vet recommended it because she may not live much longer and it could wind up being cheaper and because we have no idea how old she is (I seriously think she could very well be over 3) and how frail and thin she is, even the short burst of anesthesia could be dangerous for her. My vet splits up human doses and stores them in a freezer (-25ºC - I asked because I thought maybe I could do them at home) and I think they go by weight. Maggie's first dose cost $29 but the last one came to $37 with tax (about $32 without) - I don't know if it was that she gained weight or the price went up or a combination of both. (Maggie weighs 400-450 g.) Injections are monthly but again, they don't actually know how long it works for so you may be able to go five weeks in between - at least with a male you'll be able to tell when the effects wear off. Injections are IM (I believe) and she has had no ill effects that I can see - although someone in the cage had diarrhea after her last dose but it cleared up right away with a little banana. It seems to be working, at least her big tumour doesn't seem to be growing anymore and her inguinal one is stable as well.

Both treatments are supposed to work the same way. I know when my girls got PTs, the vet suggested Lupron for one but then said it'd be pointless if she was already implanted. I so prefer implants to neuters because it's five minutes and I don't have to worry about anesthesia or abscesses and the result is the same.

Edit: WOAH! 3 months for Lupron?!? Is my vet being overcautious?

 

[lilspaz68]

No you were right it is 4-5 weeks for the lupron injections. A woman was getting them done at $40 USD in Florida, so I can imagine how much they would be here.
An implant that lasts 18 months might be a waste on an old boy. I'll talk to Dr Munn but maybe there's something else we can do?

 

[lilspaz68]

Hmmm...Tardak is another one I found...made by Pfizer.

 

[Scythe]

Let me know if you discuss it with Munn and find some sort of alternative for old men, Shelagh. My cage of 5 males is driving me absolutely bonkers and 2/4 of the un-altered boys are over 3, now.

 

[lilspaz68]

Well all that research was moot, Dr. Munn does NOT do chemical neuters. I had a feeling he felt this way...sigh.

This is the email I got back...

Hi Shelagh,

I spoke to Dr. Munn regarding the email you sent about Oscar. We don't do chemical neuters here; however, Dr. Munn would be happy to see Oscar to consult on his behaviour issues and see if a medication such as Amytriptyline would be appropriate. Let me know what day you are available to bring him and we can make an arrangement. In the meantime Dr. Munn recommends separating him from the others to avoid injuries.

 

[jorats]

I wonder why that is.

 

[Dazzle87]

Possibly because of the issues they have caused in dogs and cats?

 

[victoria]

I think they need a license/permit to do the implants, but I'm surprised he doesn't use Lupron... it's used to treat adrenal gland disease in ferrets.

Possibly because of the issues they have caused in dogs and cats?

What issues?

 

[Scythe]

That kind of sucks. I'll just have to hope neutering two of the -1y/o boys will calm the cage down, then. Grumpy old men!