Chile has introduced a groundbreaking vaccine that offers temporary sterilization for dogs, marking the first of its kind globally. The injection, which prevents sexual behavior and reproduction for one year, is a reversible alternative to traditional surgical castration, according to its developers.
“This is the first vaccine of this type in the world for dogs,” said Leonardo Saenz, a researcher at the University of Chile’s veterinary sciences faculty. Saenz and his team have been working on the vaccine since 2009, and it is now being distributed across Chile.
The vaccine, called Egalitte, stimulates the production of antibodies that block sex hormones in both male and female dogs, effectively halting sexual activity and fertility for a year. It provides an option for dog owners who are reluctant to opt for permanent surgical procedures.
The vaccine has been patented in 40 countries, including the United States, Argentina, Brazil, and the European Union. In Chile, a single dose costs $50.
Ivan Gutierrez, a 27-year-old student, recently brought his dog Franchesco to a Santiago clinic for the shot. “I didn’t want him to undergo surgery,” he said, reflecting a common concern among pet owners about the risks of surgical castration.
Veterinarian Mariela del Saz, who administered the injection, explained that many dog owners fear the potential complications of surgery, including the risk of cardiorespiratory arrest.
An alternative to surgical castration has existed in the form of a hormonal implant, but it can cause side effects. The new vaccine is seen as a safer and more convenient option for temporarily controlling fertility in dogs.
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