If you have questions about canine hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and hormone-sparing sterilization, you’ve come to the right place.
Recently, I hosted a webinar with Dr. Michelle Kutzler, a board certified canine hormone expert, to discuss this very important topic with our community.
Below are Dr.’s answers. Kutzler to many of the frequently asked questions about canine hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and hormone-sparing sterilization.
FAQ
Q: When is the best time to check LH (luteinizing hormone) levels?
A: It is advisable to check LH levels in dogs suspected of having an inflammatory condition, regardless of whether they are spayed/neutered or intact.
For older intact dogs, checking LH levels can be useful if they are showing health issues.
Q: Is Suprelorin always necessary, and testosterone always necessary?
A: The use of Suprelorin in addition to testosterone and estrogens is the preferred method of treatment of spayed and neutered dogs.
Q: Are there any natural ways to increase testosterone or estrogen in dogs?
A: I don’t have any concerns about giving testosterone or estrogen to dogs as medicine, as it helps to replace the lost hormones and can have significant positive effects. When the dog’s ability to produce these hormones is impaired, administering appropriately formulated hormones in the correct dosage is the preferred option. Although some glandular supplements may contain hormones, accurate dosing of them would be difficult, so I would not recommend using them at this time.
Q: Can a glandular powdered support supplement provide the same benefits as hormone replacement therapy?
A: Although these supplements do not lower LH concentrations, they may offer some benefit in supporting glandular health in dogs with hormone imbalances associated with high LH levels, particularly regarding adrenal gland health. However, I generally prefer pharmaceutical-grade preparations when it comes to hormones. They can be dosed more precisely.
Q: Is it advisable to allow female dogs to undergo several heat cycles before undergoing hormone-sparing surgery?
A: Theoretically, there is no need to wait for hormone-sparing sterilization surgeries in female dogs. However, I recommend that, even with hormone-free methods, it is best to wait until the dog is at least 6 to 12 months old.
Q: Do female dogs continue to produce hormones through the uterus only if the ovaries are removed?
A: In female dogs that have had their ovaries removed but still have a uterus, hormone production is minimal. In general, ovariectomy, or the removal of the ovaries, is not recommended because it can lead to a significant hormone deficiency.
Q: What should you do if a dog is pregnant and experiencing a false pregnancy?
A: You may consider an ovary-sparing spay (hysterectomy). If this issue persists, you may choose to have the ovaries removed at a later time, preferably using laparoscopic procedures. However, it is advisable to be cautious about removing the ovaries. I recommend giving your female dog small furry toys, which can help calm her down. Additionally, consult a homeopathic practitioner to address your dog’s specific situation.
Q: Is an ovary-sparing spay (OSS) a more complicated operation compared to a traditional spay?
A: An ovary-sparing spay (OSS) is not a more complicated operation; it just involves a different method. In some ways, it can even be simpler because there is no need to remove and ligate the ovaries, which have a heavy blood supply. However, for removing the cervix, the surgeon must go deeper into the pelvis to ensure that all uterine tissue is completely removed. This method is technically a different method; it is no more invasive or traumatic than a traditional spay. In fact, it may be lower because there is no sudden drop in hormone levels.
Q: What about pyometra, which is inflammation and infection of the uterus?
A: Pyometra cannot occur if a complete hysterectomy is performed because there is no uterus left. However, if an ovariectomy is performed, there is still a risk of developing a pyometra because it can develop in the presence of progesterone and a uterus.
For full-term women, there is a risk of developing pyometra regardless of their age. Some studies indicate that the lifetime incidence of pyometra is approximately 25%, although this may vary depending on race.
Q: What is the relationship between mammary cancer and estrogen?
A: Estrogen may contribute to some mammary cancers; however, progestins are more commonly associated with mammary tumors in dogs. Regular breast exams are important for early detection. Watch for anything unusual during a routine abdominal rub. Most mammary tumors in dogs are actually benign.
Q: For a bred dog, is it better to have an ovary-sparing spay or keep her intact?
A: An intact dog has a 25% chance of developing pyometra. Based on discussions with Dr. Kutzler, opting for an ovary-sparing spay is a reasonable choice to prevent pyometra in the aging female dog, especially if you want to avoid the risk of emergency surgery. Ultimately, the decision is personal. Some people believe that it is better not to interfere with the body as a whole system, while others prefer a preventive ovary-sparing spay to reduce the risk of pyometra.
Q: Is there a chance of a LH spike after the dog has puppies at six years of age?
A: A natural spike in LH occurs before ovulation.
Q: Is there a difference in protocol for dogs that are spayed or neutered later in their senior years?
A: There is no difference in protocol for dogs that are spayed or neutered later in their senior years; the protocol remains the same.
Q: Did you notice any changes in food sensitivities after adding hormone replacement?
A: Research shows that luteinizing hormone (LH) can cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, it is possible that dogs with inflammatory bowel disease or leaky gut may experience a reduction in food sensitivity when hormone replacement is introduced. While research supports this possibility, it is important to remember that each dog is unique, and individual responses may vary.
Q: What would you recommend for a three-year-old Maltese with a portosystemic shunt and a small heart murmur?
A: Although this situation may not be directly related to hormone replacement therapy, if this dog has high luteinizing hormone levels and is showing symptoms of inflammation, I would still recommend hormone replacement therapy. It is important to monitor the liver regularly, ideally at least once every three months. As for the heart murmur, its significance is uncertain without a full medical report, making it difficult to provide further comments.
Q: Is it safe to use hormone therapy with immunotherapy or chemotherapy when treating multiple cancers?
A: Currently, there is insufficient evidence regarding combined treatment for animals suffering from cancer and metastatic disease. Since this condition is terminal, if I had a dog with cancer, I would seriously consider using Suprelorin to suppress luteinizing hormone and possibly give hormone replacement therapy. This approach may help reduce symptoms and improve the animal’s overall health, but we still lack enough information to confirm its effectiveness in treating cancer.
Q: Where in the US is hormone-sparing sterilization surgery performed on cats? Is hormone replacement therapy possible?
A: Currently, there is not enough information available to determine how cats respond to hormone-sparing sterilization or HRT. Unlike dogs, cats appear to be less affected by spaying and neutering, based on what is known so far. Cats are also forced ovulators, further complicating the issue. I recommend consulting a feline medicine expert who can provide more insight on this topic. Our website focuses exclusively on canine medicine and health.
