This case study reports on the use of
hormone therapy to treat a dog with a range of physical and behavioral signs that began after
gonadectomy. A male mixed breed dog neutered at 7 months of age presented at 1 year with health issues impacting quality of life. Reduced mobility, limping, rapid
weight gain, and fear of unfamiliar people were treated over the next 3 years with trials of
pain medication, joint supplements,
thyroxine,
antidepressant, and significant diet restrictions. Frequent
carprofen administration and daily joint supplements reduced limping, but mobility was still poor. Weight stabilized on a strict diet but fear and anxiety responses to strangers continued to worsen.
Hormone restoration
therapy was initiated when the dog was almost 4 years of age. Weekly subcutaneous administration of
testosterone cypionate (0.5 mg/kg) significantly reduced
pain and increased muscle mass, thereby improving mobility. However, supraphysiologic concentrations of
luteinizing hormone were not reduced with
testosterone therapy so a
gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist was implanted. After
hormone restoration, appetite was reduced, and anxiety and fear behaviors became manageable. The
testosterone and
gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist treatment was easily administered, had no known side effects, and the owners were pleased with the outcome.