Megestrol Acetate
Additional Resources
These resources supplement the information on our main page that addresses the use of megestrol acetate (MA) as a short-term contraceptive option for cats during the pandemic.
If you haven't yet, please read our statement on the Short-term Use of Megestrol Acetate to Prevent Estrus in Cats first.
"Use of low dose megestrol acetate to postpone estrus in cats while surgery is at a halt during the Covid crisis is a simple risk/benefit calculation. While people have concerns about side effects associated with high doses, it is important to remember that if we do nothing and allow community cats to reproduce, then we allow for thousands of kittens to be born, 50 to 70% of which will simply die in the wild. This is a choice."
- Dr. Michael Greenberg, DVM
Peer Reviewed Journal Articles
- Romagnoli, S. “Progestins to control feline reproduction: Historical abuse of high doses and potentially safe use of low doses” Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (2015) 17:743-751.
- Greenberg, M., D. Lawler, S. Zawistowski, and W. Jochle. "Low-dose megestrol acetate revisited: A viable adjunct to surgical sterilization in free roaming cats?" Veterinary Journal (2013) 196:304-308.
Thank you Elsevier and Sage Publishing for granting public access to these articles during the COVID-19 crisis.
About
Recorded on April 10, 2020, speakers and expert guests presented practical information about the use of megestrol acetate (MA) as a short-term option for some female cats during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information or to access to the webinar recording on demand, click here.Speakers & Expert Guests
- Joyce Briggs, MS (ACC&D)
- Michael Greenberg, DVM (Maddie's Fund)
- Julie Levy, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, DABVP (Shelter Medicine Education, Univ. of Florida)
- Michelle Kutzler, DVM, PhD, DACT (Oregon State Univ.)
- Linda Rhodes, VMD, PhD (Consultant)
CE Credit
This webinar has been approved for 1 hour of CAWA CE credit. Instructions on how to obtain your certificate of attendance can be found on Maddie's Fund's registration page.
Webinar Materials
More Resources
Using or Prescribing MA
- Megestrol Acetate FAQ - Dr. Michael Greenberg of Maddie's Fund answers questions about using MA during the pandemic.
- ACC&D's Progestins Profile and Position Paper - Detailed information on progestin contraceptives.
- ASPCA's Statement of Support for Veterinarians Considering Megestrol Acetate as a Temporary Contraceptive
- Alley Cat Allies' statement on MA: A Potential Lifesaver during Covid-19.
- MA-Associated Possible Side Effects and Medical Conditions List - PDF
Practical Resources
- Tips and Tracking Form for Monitoring Doses & Side Effects - PDF | Word - Designed to help caregivers keep track of when doses are given as well as any changes in the cat’s behavior or physical condition.
- MA Survey Worksheet - Word - ACC&D will be releasing a survey to collect information from those who have used or prescribed MA. This information will be used to further understand the benefits and risks associated with MA use. This survey worksheet is designed to provide an idea of what information will be requested in the survey, and it can be used as a reference aid when completing the survey to save time.
Other Helpful Links
Internationally-focused resources
- International Companion Animal Management (ICAM) Webinar: Dog and cat population management during COVID times - International perspectives on the pandemic's effect on managing cat and dog populations. -New 7/1/20
US-focused resources
- To search for a veterinarian with a special interest in reproduction, visit The Society for Theriogenology.
- Sign up for the Animal Welfare Daily Digest in the age of COVID-19.
- Maddie's Fund's Million Cat Challenge: Spay/Neuter in the COVID Era - A webinar on the role of spay/neuter in the US during the pandemic and how programs are navigating these unprecedented times.
- US FDA News Release on Veterinary Telemedicine During the Pandemic - Temporary changes to FDA's enforcement policy on VCPR.
- Join the Veterinary Telemedicine Community on Facebook
- Best Friends Vet Access is a mobile app that allows fosters to call, video conference or text chat a veterinarian 24 hours a day. Shelters and rescue groups can register for this free service.
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© 2020 Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs
