Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a synthetic estrogen used in veterinary medicine primarily for the treatment of urinary incontinence in spayed female dogs. Veterinarians will also administer DES for the management of prostatic hypertrophy (enlarged prostate) and for the treatment of certain tumors that react positively to hormonal treatments. A less common use, but one still practiced, is the administration of DES for certain reproductive conditions.

Methods of Diethylstilbestrol Administration

Diethylstilbestrol is available from a veterinary pharmacy in capsule form and given orally. Dosage is usually decreased after the first few days of treatment, but it is essential to follow your veterinarian’s instructions for administering the medication and the entire cycle of treatment must be completed in order for the medication to be effective.

Possible Side Effects of Diethylstilbestrol

As with all forms of veterinary medicine, there are certain potential side effects to watch for when giving Diethylstilbestrol to a pet. The most common possible side effects of Diethylstilbestrol include diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, vaginal discharge, depression, loss of appetite, bleeding from the urinary or gastrointestinal tracts, signs of estrus (going into heat), increased thirst and bone marrow suppression. Diethylstilbestrol use on male dogs needs to be closely monitored, as the medicine can cause feminization.

Side effects are reportedly most common in older dogs.

Diethylstilbestrol Precautions

Diethylstilbestrol should not be administered to a pet that is pregnant or is known to have sensitivity or allergic reactions to the drug.

Excessive estrogen in dogs can result in a reduction of both white and red blood cells (Thrombocytopenia) and as a result, a pet needs to be monitored by a specialist in veterinary medicine while undergoing treatment with Diethylstilbestrol.

Diethylstilbestrol should not be given in unison with phenobarbitol, Rifampin, phenylbutazone or other types of estrogen available to veterinary medicine.

Obtaining Diethylstilbestrol for Your Pets

Pet owners can only purchase Diethylstilbestrol with a prescription from their vet and through a veterinary pharmacy that carries a wide range of veterinary medicines.