Drugs used to regulate and control the reproductive system are often naturally occurring hormones or chemical modifications of hormones. These are often used to induce or suppress estrus, the time during the reproductive cycle in animals when the female displays interest in mating, often called “heat.” Some are also used to stimulate testicular function or sperm production. Some of the more commonly used hormones include gonadotropin-releasing hormone and related drugs, follicle-stimulating hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin, equine chorionic gonadotropin, estradiol compounds, progesterone and synthetic progestins, testosterone, and prostaglandins. Another hormone, oxytocin, is used to promote milk production and letdown and to cause contraction of the uterus to either induce labor or to enhance contraction of the uterus after the birth.
OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER
Drugs and Vaccines
Introduction to Drugs and Vaccines
How Drugs are Given in Animals
Effect of Drug Treatment on the Fetus or Newborn Pet
Guidelines for the Use of Antibiotic Drugs
Drugs Used to Treat Heart and Blood Vessel Disorders
Drugs Used to Treat Digestive Disorders
Drugs Used to Treat Eye Disorders
Drugs Used to Treat Bone and Muscle Disorders
Drugs Used to Treat Brain, Spinal Cord, and Nerve Disorders
Drugs Used to Treat Reproductive Disorders
Drugs Used to Treat Lung and Airway Disorders
Drugs Used to Treat Skin Disorders
Drugs Used to Treat Kidney and Urinary Tract Disorders
Antiviral Drugs
Drugs Used to Treat Inflammation
Drugs Used to Treat Cancers and Tumors
Vaccines and Immunotherapy