Proligestone
Also known as: Delvosteron · Proligestonum
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suppression of oestrus | 10-33 mg/kg depending on body weight (<5kg: 100-150mg; 5-10kg: 150-250mg; 10-20kg: 250-350mg; 20-30kg: 350-450mg; 30-45kg: 450-550mg; 45-60kg: 550-600mg; >60kg: 10 mg/kg) | SC | Once | Single dose | 🌍 EU |
| Permanent postponement of oestrus | 10-33 mg/kg depending on body weight (see weight table) | SC | 1st dose before pro-oestrus, 2nd dose 3 months later, 3rd dose 4 months later, then every 5 months | Ongoing | 🌍 EU |
| Acromegaly | 10-33 mg/kg depending on body weight (see weight table) | SC | Monthly | Until signs of hair growth are evident | 🌍 EU |
- Suppression of oestrus: Given once for suppression. Inject into medial side of flank fold.
- Permanent postponement of oestrus: Once dosing ceases, bitches may come into oestrus on average 6-7 months later, but it may take up to 3 years in some cases.
Cats
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postponement of oestrus / Miliary dermatitis | Dose not explicitly specified in text; refer to manufacturer guidelines | SC | Not specified | Not specified | 🌍 EU |
- Postponement of oestrus / Miliary dermatitis: Authorized for miliary dermatitis, but specific glucocorticoids are preferred.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Proligestone is a synthetic progestogen used primarily in veterinary medicine for the postponement or suppression of oestrus in bitches and queens. It is also authorized for the treatment of miliary dermatitis in cats, although specific glucocorticoids are generally preferred for this indication.
Clinical Warning: Proligestone carries risks typical of long-term progestogen use, including the potential development of cystic endometrial hyperplasia (pyometra), diabetes mellitus, and mammary neoplasia. It should be used with caution and is contraindicated in diabetic animals.
Mechanism of action
Proligestone alters the transcription of DNA → leads to alterations in cellular metabolism → mimics the physiological effects caused by endogenous progesterone.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Diabetic animals (insulin requirements are likely to change unpredictably)
- Bitches before or at their first oestrus
Adverse effects
- Unpredictable duration of anoestrus (up to 3 years in some bitches)
- Temperament changes (listlessness and depression)
- Polyuria and polydipsia (increased thirst)
- Polyphagia (increased appetite)
- Cystic endometrial hyperplasia / Pyometra
- Diabetes mellitus
- Acromegaly
- Adrenocortical suppression
- Mammary enlargement, lactation, or neoplasia
- Injection site irritation
- Coat colour changes at the injection site
- Calcinosis circumscripta at the injection site
Precautions
As coat colour changes may occasionally occur, injection into the medial side of the flank fold is recommended for thin-skinned or show animals.
Clinical Pearl: While proligestone does not appear to be associated with as many or as serious adverse effects as older progestogens (e.g., megestrol acetate, medroxyprogesterone acetate), owners must still be thoroughly counseled on the risks of pyometra and diabetes mellitus.
Monitoring
- Signs of pyometra (vaginal discharge, lethargy, polyuria/polydipsia)
- Blood glucose and clinical signs of diabetes mellitus (excessive thirst and urination)
- Mammary gland changes (enlargement, masses)
- Injection site reactions
Pharmacokinetics
Half-life
Absorption
Absorbed slowly from the subcutaneous injection site, providing a prolonged duration of effect.
Distribution
Highly lipophilic; distributes widely into tissues.
Metabolism
Hepatic metabolism.
Elimination
Excreted primarily via feces and urine.
Overdose
No specific information provided in the monograph. Overdosage may increase the risk and severity of progestational side effects, including cystic endometrial hyperplasia, diabetes mellitus, and adrenocortical suppression. Treatment is supportive.
Available products
Formulations
- 100 mg/ml injectable suspension
Veterinary
- Delvosteron 100 mg/ml suspension for injection
Regulatory status
Not commercially available in the US.
Authorized in various EU member states.
Prescription Only Medicine - Veterinarian.
No regulatory data for: 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Normal precautions should be observed. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Shake well before use.
Client information
Proligestone is an injectable hormone used to delay or stop your pet's heat cycle.
- Return to Heat: After stopping the injections, it usually takes 6-7 months for your dog to go into heat again, but it is highly unpredictable and can take up to 3 years.
- Side Effects: Watch closely for increased thirst, increased urination, or increased appetite. These can be early signs of diabetes or a serious uterine infection called pyometra.
- Behavior: Your pet may seem more lethargic or depressed than usual.
- Injection Site: You may notice a change in coat color or a small lump where the injection was given. Contact your vet if this area becomes irritated.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.