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Cabergoline, a new ergoline derivative, is a potent prolactin inhibitor. In this review, results are combined from previously published and unpublished blind laboratory and open clinical studies with cabergoline in pseudopregnant, pregnant and lactating bitches, in bitches with normal and prolonged cycles, and in pregnant queens. Dose-response studies in nursing bitches, using puppy weight as an endpoint, revealed that a dose of 5 micrograms/kg/day orally (for 5 days) was the optimal dose with a minimum of side effects. This dose effectively lowered blood prolactin concentrations in pregnant bitches and was partly luteolytic during the 1st half of gestation, and fully luteolytic during the 2nd half of gestation. Consequently, pregnancies were terminated in the 2nd half of pregnancy in the bitch, and in the queen. Treatment successes with pseudopregnancy and true and false lactation, including cases of eclampsia, were greater than 90%. The same level of success was seen in bitches with prolonged cycles (anoestrus). A 7-10-day treatment period resulted almost uniformly in oestrus, and restored fertility in greater than 80% of all bitches mated. Cycles were occasionally shortened in bitches treated for false lactation. Attempts to shorten cycles routinely in beagle bitches, in a commercial breeding operation, with a dose of 5 micrograms/kg/day for 14 days during months 4, 5 or 6 of the cycle were unsuccessful.

BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) is frequently observed in male dogs older than five years. Uncomplicated BPH is therefore regarded as a normal aging process. Only 1-2% of the males develop malign tumors, furthermore acute or chronic prostatitis, abscesses or cysts. The diagnosis of prostatic diseases requires special physical and laboratory examinations. For the treatment hormonal effective substances, antibiotics, antiphlogistics, analgesics and surgical procedures (prostatectomy, castration) are recommended. The author successfully uses a therapy in two phases starting with an intensive medication (Tardack plus antibiotics s.c./p.o. and local) for at least 10, up to 30 days, followed by surgery. Particularities in diagnosis and therapy are pointed out.