THE EFFECT OF DEXAMETASONE ON DOG FERTILITY

The effect of dexametasone treatment on sexual functions was studied in six mixed breed dogs. The dogs were divided in two groups – Control and Experimental. The experiment was divided into two periods; each one with 63 days, comprehending one gametogenesis. After the standartization of the sexual characteristics studied in the preliminar period (n=6), the experimental group (n=4) received daily injectons of dexametasone during 21 days. The initial dosis was 0,5 mg/kg folowed by 0,25 mg/kg and 0.125 mg/kg each every 24 hours for 7 days. The main results of this study were: 1. Dexametasone treatment had no effect on the libido and the morphology of the reproductive organs; 2.Thre’s no effect on the semen aspect and vigor during medication; 3. Treatment with dexametasone did not appear to influence the percentage of abnormal spermatozoa in the ejaculate; 4. There was a signifanct reduction in the volume, sperm concentration and in the total sperm output during medication; 5. There was a marked reduction in testosterone concentration in the experimental group when compared with the control group.