Animal Welfare Professionals

 View Only

Need another tool to prevent cat pregnancy? More info now available to help you learn about MA

  • 1.  Need another tool to prevent cat pregnancy? More info now available to help you learn about MA

    Posted 01-20-2023 06:28 PM
      |   view attached

    In ACC&D's recent newsletter we highlighted new resources now available on our revamped megestrol acetate (MA) webpage. MA is an oral contraceptive that when used in low-doses can be an effective short-term method for preventing cats from going into heat. Our new MA page now includes practical materials from two pilot programs that successfully treated cats with MA. We encourage you to learn more about these programs to help you consider whether MA can be a beneficial tool in your shelter's or clinic's toolbox. If you are new to MA, Our position statement is a great place to start to learn more. And, if you've used MA or need help considering it, please let us know!

    MA webpage: Megestrol Acetate (MA) and other progestins - Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs

    Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs remove preview
    Megestrol Acetate (MA) and other progestins - Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs
    The early months of the COVID-19 pandemic saw widespread "surgical shut-downs" and limited options for spaying and neutering dogs and cats. ACC&D consulted with experts and reviewed available data to provide information on use of low-dose MA as a stopgap option for some cats.
    View this on Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs >



    Article from ACC&D's 2023 Winter Newsletter:

    A closer look at megestrol acetate as a short-term cat contraception option
    As you may remember, ACC&D got creative in the very early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, which coincided with the start of "kitten season" in the northern hemisphere. We developed resources advising consideration of short-term use of the oral contraceptive megestrol acetate (MA). We consulted with two shelters, CAT Adoption Team (Portland, Oregon) and Toronto Humane Society, that started pilots offering MA to cats awaiting spay surgery. As we saw the results, we increasingly appreciated that MA's value is not restricted to the COVID-19 pandemic, but that in certain circumstances it can be a valuable tool to prevent unwanted pregnancies in cats awaiting spay surgery. To reflect this, we've updated our resources and enhanced our MA webpage. We also continue to offer support to shelters, veterinarians, and owners considering how MA can be used in their situation. You can now find out more about the Portland and Toronto pilot programs, as well as access many practical resources, on our website here.


    #Medicine,SurgeryandSterilization

    ------------------------------
    Adelia Hwang
    ACC&D Operations and Project Manager
    Adelia@acc-d.org
    https://www.acc-d.org/
    ------------------------------

    Attachment(s)