Scientists develop dog neutering jab: no surgery needed, and it’s reversible

Findley is a lucky dog. The small white and brown Chilean terrier is one of the first dogs in the world to get neutered without having to go under the knife.

The procedure happened in his home in Santiago while he was being held by his owner, receiving treats during and after, and he later scampered off like nothing had happened.

There was no sedation or surgical procedure, just a simple injection that the developers say is an immunocastration vaccine called Egalitte. Leonardo Saenz, a vet and professor at the University of Chile who developed the vaccine, says it works by blocking the hormone in charge of reproduction and is reversible.

“If we have [that hormone] blocked, we don’t release gonadotropin and therefore don’t release sexual hormones and the animal is in a state of castration,” he explained.

The vaccine can be used for both males and females and costs about 50,000 Chilean pesos (US$54). It requires a veterinarian’s prescription and evaluation to ensure the dog is a suitable candidate.

Saenz said the product could also help neuter animals on a wider scale since it’s less invasive and complicated than surgical castration.