[The use of a GnRH vaccine in mares and stallions to influence undesirable behavior: a retrospective study of 31 cases].
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a GnRH vaccine (Equity) on behavior and gonadal function in horses with unwanted behavior. The reason for the treatment was asked using a questionnaire and the findings of physical examination, rectal palpation as well as rectal ultrasonography, were recorded. The results of these examinations and the behavior of 21 mares and 10 stallions before the first and after the second administration of the GnRH vaccine were compared. In 84 % of all cases a decrease of the unwanted behavior could be observed. In the mares the ovaries were significantly (p <or= 0.05) smaller after vaccination than before. The largest and the second largest follicle on the ovaries were also significantly smaller after vaccination. In the stallion there was no significant difference in the size of testicles before and after vaccination. The study showed that the vaccine is well tolerated in horses and only little local adverse reactions appeared in 6.5 % of all cases.
Wenzinger
B
B
Klinik für Fortpflanzungsmedizin der Universität Zürich.
Kähn
W
W
Bleul
U
U
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006736:Horses / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000187:drug effects; D010053:Ovary / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000187:drug effects; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D013737:Testis / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000187:drug effects; D014612:Vaccines / Q000494:pharmacology
D014612:Vaccines; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone