Suprelorin implant. Anyone used it?

[thwinka]

Hi, we have been advised to try this implant on my dog to see if it helps with some behavioural issues, and his high levels of stress? We have been told not to neuter him as he is fear aggressive and there is a high risk that he could become worse, but it has been decided that it is worth trying this to see how it would affect him as the effects aren't permanent?
Has anybody any experience of this implant please? We have seen quite a few mixed opinions and are a little concerned tbh as to if we are doing the right thing?

[Lonecatwithkitten]

I have used on several occasions, but never in a fear agressive dog and would have concerns that as it reduces the level of testosterone it would make the aggression worse.
It has controlled aggression in one dog, but it was not a fear aggression.

[bakingtins]

It will last for at least 6 months and potentially longer. I've used it to control prostate disease in a (client's) old dog and we are currently over a year post first implant and it is still controlling symptoms.
Personally if you want something that will suppress testosterone short term to see if it makes things better or worse I'd recommend Tardak injection, but I agree with lonecat that if the aggression is fear-based then removing testosterone could potentially make things worse.

[bobbybearmummy]

I have used it for the last 2 years on my boy,but only as a form of contraception!!...with no ill effects,however I personally would not use it on a fear aggressive dog.I do not agree with neutering all male dogs and I am only using this temporarily untill my bitch is spayed.
I would be suprised if it stopped issues with his behaviour,apart from those of a sexual nature!!

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[thwinka]

Hi, thanks for the responses. We have decided not to do it for now as I am just not convinced that the benefits outweigh the negatives. He is a very hyper/ almost manic dog at times and the behaviourist thinks that it makes his reactivity worse? He has also snapped at us a few times as well which aren't fear related which is why it was recommended. But he has improved so much in some areas that I am worried he will go back to being a nightmare if we do the implant as he used to be so reactive to anything new. But if it helped stop his hyperness, it may stop the snapping at home? Catch 22 really

[CJE145]

I have used Suprelorin on my Samoyed male as was suggested by my agility trainer to help him keep his mind on the job in his first competition season. It seemed to work like a dream for that and he won 10 trophies in 8 months! This year his hormones are back and his head is everywhere but on the job and his drive for agility is significantly reduced. Not sure if this is hormonal but he is marking everywhere and overly interested in where bitches have peed to the point that it is getting annoying. He is also overly interested in even spayed bitches. I think the new rush of hormones is turning him into an adolescent again (he is now four)!
Back to Suprelorin: The downside of its use was that my lovely natured, if rather ADHD boy began to growl at other dogs, especially when he was on lead. He seemed to find puppies particularly annoying I have seen this reported by other owners online who have used this implant in their dogs. I Have also read that it suppresses all testosterone whereas neutering only takes 90% which leaves some to benefit your dogs general health and wellbeing, so shouldn’t be over used. I did the 6 months (there is also 1 year) but it took another 6 months to get his full wack of hormones back. Now that it has completely worn off he is back to his sweet natured self, though seemingly completely distracted by the girls! I would use it again for its benefits, maybe next agility season.

[Maelstrop]

Which one is it that increases the risk of testicular cancer later in life? Have a big chat with your vet first.