Injections Of Growth Hormone in Dogs

Injections Of Growth Hormone in Dogs - Conditions Treated, Procedure, Efficacy, Recovery, Cost, Considerations, Prevention

What is Injections Of Growth Hormone?

Growth hormone supplementation is used to treat conditions caused by low concentrations or inadequate production of growth hormone, particularly pituitary dwarfism and growth-hormone responsive dermatosis. This may be the result of congenital defect in which the pituitary gland underdevelops or malfunctions. It can also be caused by tumors and cysts on the pituitary gland.

Unfortunately, some pet owners believe it is safe to administer human growth hormones to dogs to make them grow bigger or stronger. This is incredibly dangerous for dogs. Administering human growth hormones to dogs with normal somatotropin levels will stunt their growth and decrease the size of the testes in male dogs. Growth hormones should only be used to treat conditions characterized by decreased growth hormone levels. It is illegal for anyone apart from certified veterinarians to obtain and use veterinary growth hormones.

Injections Of Growth Hormone Procedure in Dogs

The two main types of growth hormone administered to dogs are progestins and thyroid hormones. Other types of hormones may be recommended based on the underlying condition.

  1. First, the vet will evaluate the dog to diagnose the condition and determine the correct dosage and type of growth hormones to administer.
  2. For growth-hormone responsive dermatosis, growth hormone injections may be given three times a week for four to six weeks.
  3. Progestins are administered once every three weeks for several months.
  4. The veterinarian will taper the dose accordingly.

Efficacy of Injections Of Growth Hormone in Dogs

Growth hormone injections are considered very effective in resolving conditions associated with inadequate production of growth hormones. However, tumors and cysts on the pituitary gland must also be removed if present or the condition cannot improve. It is also important to note that this treatment is expensive. Dogs diagnosed with growth-hormone responsive dermatosis may not require treatment since the hair loss does not have an adverse effect on their health.

Injections Of Growth Hormone Recovery in Dogs

Dogs will not need to recover from the injections. However, if owners notice any adverse or allergic reactions to the injections, or if the condition does not improve, they should contact their vet immediately. If the condition does not improve with growth hormone injections, there may be a tumor or cyst on the pituitary gland. This will need to be treated with surgery.

Cost of Injections Of Growth Hormone in Dogs

The cost of growth hormone injection in dogs will vary depending on standards of living and additional treatment costs. The cost of growth hormone injection ranges from $500 to $1,000, with an average cost of $800.

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Dog Injections Of Growth Hormone Considerations

The main side effect of growth hormone injections is the development of diabetes mellitus. This is most commonly associated with injections of progestin. If the dog is showing symptoms of diabetes mellitus, the owner should contact their veterinarian immediately.

Injections Of Growth Hormone Prevention in Dogs

It is impossible to prevent congenital growth hormone deficiency. Dogs diagnosed with and treated for growth hormone deficiency should not be bred, since it is usually a genetic condition. Never give any hormonal supplement to dogs unless under the explicit instruction of a trusted veterinarian.

Injections Of Growth Hormone Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals

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Bulldog

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Three Months

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5 found this helpful

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5 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Concave Chest
Which madecian use toh best growth

July 10, 2020

Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM

5 Recommendations

Medication used to treat your dog depends on the problem and what you're trying to achieve. Your puppy would need to be seen by a veterinarian, as they would be able to examine your dog, see what's going on and what your goals are, and let you know what treatments would be best. I hope that all goes well for your puppy.

July 10, 2020

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German Shepherd

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Duke

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12 Months

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3 found this helpful

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3 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Less Height
My long coat german shepherd is 12 months old and his height is less as compared to other gsds of his age . I brought him when he was just 14 days old and did not have rnough feed of his mothers milk

June 26, 2018

3 Recommendations

You would need to visit your Veterinarian to determine the cause for Duke’s small size, dwarfism is a condition which we see in German Shepherds; your Veterinarian would be able to guide you after the examination. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM

June 27, 2018

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