VETS are warning of an "alarming spike" in the number of dogs absorbing HRT from their owners.
Animal hospital, North Downs Specialist Referrals (NDSR), in Surrey, has diagnosed five pooches with hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) poisoning this year.
Exposure to the drug could prove fatal for some dogs.
Sue Burgess, from East Sussex, was "mystified" when her Jack Russell Rosie appeared show symptoms.
The dog owner had just started using HRT gel a few weeks earlier.
Shortly after, the unfortunate pup began showing "typical symptoms" of HRT poisoning, which included increased sexual attractiveness to male dogs, vulval enlargement and hair loss, the vets said.
Read more on HRT
BRAIN FOG
Taking HRT prevents brain shrinking and memory decline in menopause, study finds
DRUG ALERT
Women STILL struggling to get HRT as shortages return – the 3 products affected
Gerry Polton, hospital director at NDSR, said: “Secondary HRT exposure to animals typically occurs through exposure to gels and creams applied to their owners’ forearms, a recommended site of application according to product data sheets."
Last year, there was a 35 per cent increase in NHS prescriptions for HRT.
HRT is a treatment which uses synthetic hormones to relieve menopausal symptoms, like hot flushes, anxiety and vaginal dryness.
It comes in many different forms, from pills and patches to rings and gels.
Most read in Health
LESS STOUT
Brewers ‘have made world’s healthiest beer’ & you’ll be surprised by calories
HARD LUCK
Blokes left with embarrassing side effect after popping Viagra
LOO KNEW?
The sign of oesophageal cancer you might spot in your poo – and 9 other symptoms
NOT CHILL
Are you cranky, stressed or always tired? You could have ‘winter period fatigue’
Gerry added: “We would urge dog owners using HRT in this manner (gel) to be aware of the possibility of secondary exposure to their pets."
It's thought that dogs come into contact with the cream or gel on places where there is less hair, like the belly, he explained.
In most cases secondary oestrogen exposure can be treated simply by ensuring the dog has no further contact with the drug.
“It is, however, important to be aware that more serious adverse events, such as bone marrow suppression, can be seen with oestrogen exposure, which may be irreversible and ultimately fatal," Gerry said.
"Fortunately, we have yet to see this as a result of secondary exposure to HRT products at NDSR though," he added.
Sue has since switched to a non-gel version of HRT and said Rosie is now "much better" and "not attracting the boys anymore".
Symptoms of HRT poisoning in dogs
Symptoms associated with hormone replacement poisoning vary depending on the dog’s sex
Female dogs
- Swollen vulva (even if spayed)
- Bloody discharge (even if spayed)
- Hair loss
Male dogs
- Extreme attraction to female dogs
- Swollen mammary glands (breasts)
- Abnormally small penis
- Shrinking of the tests
- Hair loss
Credit: PetMD
Source: Read Full Article
