I know I have asked about this before in relation to suprelorin and its use but I am still a bit confused about Tardak.  I have read lots online with some people saying it made a huge difference, others saying no difference and the odd story about aggressive behaviour while the drug was active.  The text below is taken from the NOAH site with info from the makers Pfizer.

Uses
Tardak is for use in male dogs and cats in the following indications:
1.The treatment of hypersexuality (including vagrancy).
2.The relief of prostatic hypertrophy whether benign, carcinomatous or when due to chronic inflammatory processes. (In cases of the latter, relief cannot be expected unless appropriate accompanying therapy, such as corticoids or antibiotics is also instituted.)
3.For the treatment of circum-anal tumours.
4.For the treatment of certain forms of aggressiveness, nervousness, epileptiform seizures and corticoid-resistant pruritus (developing into dermatoses and accompanied by alopecia).

My query is whether it is likely to work on a male who is dog aggressive but never shows any sexual behaviour.  he hasn't humped toys since he was about 12 weeks old, has never tried to hump another dog or bitch and he started cocking his leg at 5 months. 

I have read on other forums (that i am not a member of and old posts so didn't respond to them) that it doesn't mimic castration as it doesn't stop the production of testosterone but rather floods the body with progesterone.  People were also saying that tardak takes away emotional enjoyment for dogs.  I can't remember the exact phrase used but I suppose it would be like anhedonia in humans.   I am totally confused!!

My vet advised against suprelorin as he said 6 months is a long time if the dog reacts negatively to the implant e.g. becomes fearful/fear biter without testosterone boost.  I could deal with that for 3 weeks but 6 months is a long time.

Any advice CD'ers?

I think this is really when you need to speak to your vet ,tardak may work in certain cicumstances for aggressiveness there are other options have you thought about selgian tablets they work on particular parts of the brain to alter behavior they dont always work but results should be seen quite quickly if not and treatment can be discontinued .

Thanks, I have never heard of Selgian but have looked it up and it is described as 'Selegiline hydrochloride is an inhibitor of monoamine oxidase (IMAO type B)' . Does this mean it is like old style human anti-depressants before tricyclics (sp) and SSRI's?


It is indicated for use as follows:
1.Treatment of behavioural disorders of purely emotional origin : depression, anxiety.
2.In association with behaviour therapy, treatment of signs of emotional origin observed in behavioural conditions such as overactivity, separation problems, generalised phobia and unsocial behaviour.
Emotional disorders are characterised by a modification of feeding, drinking, auto-stimulatory behaviour, sleep, exploratory behaviour, aggression related to fear and/or irritation, social behaviour and somatic disorders (tachycardia, emotional micturition).

Emotional disorders can mask hierarchical conflicts. In dominant dogs suffering from an emotional disorder, the alleviation of the disorder can sometimes reveal a latent aggressiveness. In such cases, behavioural therapy must be instituted.

I am a bit worried about the statement above although am aware that if you read and panic about the contraindications leaflets you get with any medicine it is unlikely you would ever take any medicine!

Thanks for pointing me in the direction of alternatives.  I am considering neutering but have a feeling that as my boy can be a bit nervy in some situations, having no testosterone may make him worse.  I have a behaviourist coming round this week so we can work on the behaviour but if it turns out he is at the mercy of his hormones neutering may be the answer for a happier dog.

Hi Cheekychow
i am not an expert but i have a friend that had a very nervy PMD and she could become quite aggressive we did some research and they used selgian it apprently works to knock out certain inhibitors in the brain and alters the behaviour , their vet also researched it before using it and was told it will either have an effect or it wont i know thats not much help but she became an awfull lot better they were told to try it for a week and if no improvement to stop using it as if it hadnt had an effect in that time it wouldnt work ,it maybe worth ago if you are working with a behaviourist anyway
Good luck and i am sure will get the desired result which ever method you go with

Thanks newfienook, the more info I have the more informed I will be.  the behaviourist is coming to the house on Thursday so I will see how that goes and get a vets appointment to go through the possibilities.