Prostaglandin therapeutics in the bitch and queen

The use of prostaglandin F2 alpha as an abortifacient and for the treatment of certain diseases affecting the reproductive system of the bitch and queen is reviewed. Doses of 0.5 to 1.0 mg/kg PGF administered by intramuscular or subcutaneous injection at intervals of 24 or 48 h after mid-gestation appears to be a satisfactory luteolytic-- abortifacient regime for use in dogs and cats. Doses of 0.25 to 0.5 mg/kg in the bitch and 0.5 to 1.0 mg/kg PGF in the queen, at intervals of 24 or 48 h, may be used as an adjunct to the therapy of metritis, endometritis or pyometritis. A median lethal dose of 5.13 mg/kg has been derived for use of PGF in the bitch and this is thought to be similar for use of PGF in the queen. Side effects of defecation and/or vomition may be observed in the bitch and queen using routine therapeutic doses.