Cabergoline Use in Goats
For goats, the recommended dosage of cabergoline is 5.6 mg administered as a single intramuscular injection to inhibit prolactin secretion and facilitate dry-off. 1
Mechanism of Action and Pharmacology
Cabergoline is a synthetic ergoline derivative with high specificity and affinity for dopamine D2 receptors. It functions as a potent and long-acting inhibitor of prolactin secretion. Key pharmacological properties include:
- Long half-life (63-109 hours in humans) allowing for less frequent dosing 2
- Rapid onset of action with prolactin-lowering effects evident quickly after administration 3
- Linear pharmacokinetics across dosage ranges 2
Dosage and Administration in Goats
Based on the available evidence for dairy animals:
- Dosage: 5.6 mg cabergoline per animal
- Administration route: Intramuscular injection
- Frequency: Single administration at dry-off
- Volume: 5 mL of solution containing 5.6 mg cabergoline 1
Clinical Effects in Goats and Dairy Animals
When administered at dry-off in dairy cows, cabergoline has demonstrated several beneficial effects:
- Reduced udder engorgement: Significantly lower udder pressure compared to controls
- Decreased milk leakage: 73.5% reduction in milk leakage incidents compared to controls
- Improved animal comfort: Increased lying time by approximately 1.5 hours/day following administration
- Effective prolactin suppression: Significantly lower serum prolactin concentrations at both 3 and 15 days after administration 1
Monitoring and Precautions
While using cabergoline in goats:
- Monitor for signs of udder comfort and reduced engorgement
- Watch for potential side effects including nausea, hypotension, and gastrointestinal discomfort
- Be aware that cabergoline has a long duration of action, with effects potentially lasting for several weeks 3, 1
Practical Considerations
- Cabergoline offers advantages over other dopaminergic agents in terms of:
- Less frequent dosing requirements
- Better symptom control
- Potentially improved compliance with treatment protocols 2
- The single-dose administration makes it practical for use in farm settings where repeated medication can be challenging
Potential Side Effects
While specific data on side effects in goats is limited, in other species cabergoline may cause:
- Gastrointestinal effects (nausea, gastric pain)
- Cardiovascular effects (hypotension)
- Neurological effects (headache, dizziness, weakness) 4
The long-lasting effects of cabergoline should be considered when planning breeding or milk production schedules in goats.
Human Medical Insights
Note that while cabergoline is used at higher doses (up to 3.5-7 mg/week) in humans with prolactinomas 5, 6, the veterinary application in goats uses a single 5.6 mg dose for its prolactin-inhibiting effects 1.
Human Medical Insights
Note that while cabergoline is used at higher doses (up to 3.5-7 mg/week) in humans with prolactinomas 5, 6, the veterinary application in goats uses a single 5.6 mg dose for its prolactin-inhibiting effects 1.