Sep 29, 2005
Diethyl Stilbestrol (DES)
Dan Lednicer offered us a guest editorial some time ago that mentioned the ill-fated drug diethyl stilbestrol (DES) and the toxicity of this and other compounds. Here’s the 3D chemical structure of DES for recent visitors to Sciencebase who were looking for it!
Diethylstilbestrol is an orally active non-steroidal estrogen first made in 1938 and originally approved for use in gonorrheal vaginitis, atrophic vaginitis, for menopausal symptoms, and in postpartum lactation suppression to prevent breast engorgement.
However, in 1971 it was found to be a teratogen – causing birth defects – when given to pregnant women and later a carcinogen. It is currently used only in veterinary practice at very low (hypocarcinogenic) doses for treating female canine incontinence.
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Hi,
My 10 yr old GSD Natli has been on DES since the past 5 days as she has been wetting herself since many years. We tried many things such as Ephidrine tabs, Nutrivet Bladder control pills, but they stopped working after a few months. The vet says that she probably got immune to them.
DES is working so far for Natli and she hasn’t wet herself since she’s been taking it. I am also giving her a course of anti biotic to get rid of any sort of infection.
I just want to know what if there are side effects of DES for dogs. I am reducing the dosage to 1mg twice a week.
Thanks,
-Kaveri