A dose-finding, long-term study on the use of calcium chloride in saline solution as a method of nonsurgical sterilization in dogs: evaluation of the most effective concentration with the lowest risk

Abstract

BackgroundCanine overpopulation is a global issue with serious health and welfare implications. Nonsurgical methods of sterilization could yield positive impacts on this problem, but no long-term data on such methods are available. The objective of the current investigation was to determine the effects of intratesticular injections of calcium chloride dihydrate (CaCl2) in saline in dogs over a one year period. Five concentrations (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 60%) of CaCl2 in saline were administered via intratesticular injection to groups of 10 dogs each. Total sperm count and motility, blood levels of testosterone, and side effects were examined at 0, 2, 6, and 12 months post-injection (PI). Testicular size and semen volume were examined at 0 and 12 months PI.ResultsTotal sperm count, semen volume and testosterone showed significant dose-dependent decreases upon treatment with 10%-60% CaCl2 compared with either the control group (0% CaCl2) or baseline for each treatment group. Azoospermia was achieved for at least 12 months PI in 60% and 80% of treated dogs after administration of a 10% and 20% CaCl2, respectively. Treatment with 30% or 60% CaCl2 resulted in azoospermia in 100% of dogs, but more side effects were observed, while no side effects were noticed at lower doses. For each treatment group, testosterone levels had decreased an average of 35%-70% at 6 months following treatment. However, testosterone levels rebounded by the 12-month time point in all groups except the highest dosage group (60% CaCl2), which remained at the low end of physiological range throughout the study. Sperm motility dropped to zero or near zero in all dogs treated with CaCl2. Testicular size was significantly smaller at 12 months PI for all groups when compared to baseline.ConclusionsThis first long-term study confirms reports of the efficacy of CaCl2 sterilization. However, at dosages free of adverse events, calcium chloride in saline may not provide permanent sterilization as previously believed. Future work should explore optimized solvents to increase the permanence of the well-tolerated 20% formulation.

Evaluation of intra-testicular injections of calcium chloride and 4-vinylcyclohexene 1,2 monoepoxide for chemical sterilization in guinea pigs

“…In the present study, the different doses of the different chemo-sterilizing agents injected by intra-testicular route were determined to have caused severe oligozoospermia and azoospermia. The maximum response for the spermatological parameters was achieved in Group V. Similar to the results of the present study, Leoci (2014) reported that in dogs administered with 10 and 20 mg CaCl 2 asthenozoospermia and oligozoospermia was detected. Furthermore, in several studies carried out in rams, male rats, bucks and male dogs, it has been reported that the intra-epididymal injection of CaCl 2 reduces the concentration of spermatozoa (Jana et al 2002, Okwee-Acai et al 2008.…”

Calcium chloride combined with dimethyl sulphoxide for the chemical sterilization of dogs

“…Chemical sterilization with CaCl 2 in dogs (Jana & Samanta, ; Leoci, Aiudi, Silvestre, Lissner, & Lacalandra, ; Leoci, Aiudi, Silvestre, Lissner, Marino, et al, ; Mitra & Samanta, ) did not use the combination with DMSO. Thus, in our knowledge, this is the first description of this association.…”

“…In dogs, the effects of CaCl 2 injected intratesticularly have been investigated at concentrations of 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 30 and 60 mg/kg (Jana & Samanta, 2007;Leoci, Aiudi, Silvestre, Lissner, Marino, et al, 2014;Samanta, 1998). In those studies, the dogs did not show changes in physiological parameters and food consumption throughout the trial period, except for testicular swelling at 24 hr after the injection.…”

Chemical Castration Using Iron (III) Chloride Hexahydrate (KEBIRI KIMIAWI MENGGUNAKAN FERIKLORIDA HEKSAHIDRAT)

“…Chemical castration using a solution of calcium chloride (CaCl 2 ) in dogs with high concentrations (10-20%) was reported not effective, where the testis still produced sperm (Leoci et al, 2014). On their study, the effectiveness of CaCl 2 solution for chemical castration were shown at a concentration of 30% after one year of observation.…”