SuprelorinTM, a subcutaneous contraceptive implant for dogs, cats and ferrets, has been registered in the European Union since 2007. It is administered using a specific device. To enhance user-friendliness and align with the increasing number of women in the veterinary profession in Europe, the original actuator has been modified. These improvements include the addition of ergonomic wings, a spring and a sensitive indicator for implant administration. This product test survey aimed to collect user feedback on these changes.
Twenty-five veterinary practitioners from France (n=10) and Germany (n=15), who currently use SuprelorinTM, were given both the original actuator and the prototype, along with a silicone pouch and placebo implants. They evaluated the ease of use and visual aspect of a modified SuprelorinTM actuator prototype.
Women represented over half of the participants (13/25). Veterinarians rated the current actuator at 6/10 for both ease of use and visual appeal. The prototype actuator scored 7/10 for both criteria. Notably, for veterinarians with small hand sizes (n=9), the prototype's ease of use improved to 8/10, compared to 5/10 for the current actuator, achieving the highest overall score. Veterinarians expressed strong interest (7/10) in an indicator for correct implant administration, with a preference for a "click” sound.
While veterinarians were generally satisfied with the current actuator, their positive feedback on the prototype suggests that the new design could improve SuprelorinTM implant administration and better fit with the current veterinarian profile.
