falsepreg

chloelogoa

Canine False Pregnancy

pseudopregnancy/pseudocyesis

talalogoa

The term false pregnancy is used to describe the condition following a season in which bitches show the signs of pregnancy, nursing and lactation and yet have no puppies either because they have not been mated or have failed to concieve. The hormone prolactin initiates the same preparation by the body that it would for pregnancy and birth, even though there is no foetus. The bitch can show a great deal of physical and mental stress at this time especially when there is a change in temperament, as this can be frightening to those who have never encountered false pregnancy before. Once a bitch has had a false pregnancy she will be more likely to have it again after each heat with the signs becoming more severe on each occassion.

The condition is normal, with possibly 60% of bitches displaying the symptoms to a degree. Reducing the carbohydrate content of the diet and water intake may help to lessen the milk production but do not withhold water for long periods. Increasing the amount of exercise may also play an important factor in eliminating the symptoms. Removing the toys which the bitch has taken as substitute puppies and is guarding whilst taking care not to encourage nesting behaviour or sympathise with her can prevent symptoms escalating and assist in the quick return to normality. Take care that small children do not intrude upon her nest as she may be snappy at times.

If the signs are severe and the bitch has been shown not to be pregnant, she may be given a hormone injection to stop the process. Sedatives may be required to control nervous panting especially if the bitch is disturbed and cannot rest.

Veterinary surgeons often advise that bitches who have recurrent episodes of false pregnancy should be spayed, since bitches that do not come on heat do not have false pregnancies. The chemical control of heat by giving regular hormone injections can help to reduce the incidence of false pregnancy and may be advocated in some cases.

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False Pregnancy

Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.

Q. What are the signs of false pregnancy in dogs?

A. Some female dogs (bitches) fail to go out of their heat cycles correctly. This causes a condition we call 'false pregnancy.' Even though the bitch may not have mated with a male dog, her body believes it is pregnant due to some incorrect hormonal stimulations that it is receiving.

False pregnancy occurs 60-80 days after the bitch was in heat, about the time a pregnant bitch would give birth. (Pregnancy in a dog lasts about 63 days.) A dog experiencing a false pregnancy may have some abdominal swelling and/or engorgement of the mammary glands which can be painful. In some cases, the bitch will actually produce milk, make a nest, and even collect socks or toys and hold them against her breasts. Bitches undergoing false heats generally do not experience serious long-term problems, since the behavior disappears when the circulating hormones return to their appropriate levels. However, some bitches may have a false pregnancy with each heat.

One of the advantages of spaying your dog is that you can eliminate the possibility of this condition occurring.

C 2006 Drs. Foster and Smith, Inc.
Reprinted as a courtesy and with permission from Josie Pitterle Article Reprint Coordinator Drs. Foster and Smith
PetEducation.com (http://www.PetEducation.com) On-line store at http://www.DrsFosterSmith.com
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The above information is simply informational. It's intent is not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian for confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.