False pregnancy in dogs: symptoms, treatment, how long it lasts, what to do. Dog's mammary glands swollen after estrus

Oncological diseases are becoming more and more common. And, unfortunately, not only in humans. Our smaller brothers are no less susceptible to this formidable disease. Veterinarians note that over the past twenty years, the number of animals with tumors of various nature and size has increased at least five times. Perhaps, earlier they were simply not brought to the clinic, and the dogs lived out the time allotted to them without medical assistance. Be that as it may, today we have a chance to help pets, and it must be used.

Dozens of species and subspecies

Not every mammary tumor in dogs is deadly. To date, there are several dozen varieties of cancers, as well as simple tumors. For ease of understanding, they are divided into two groups: benign and malignant. If the first can cause mechanical compression of tissues and circulatory disorders, then the second gives metastases and, in fact, destroys the body from the inside. Malignant formations annually cause the death of thousands of animals around the world.

genetic predisposition

The same can be said about people. Some families have a genetic predisposition to breast cancer, and from generation to generation, women undergo surgery to remove this organ. We observe a similar phenomenon in our smaller brothers. Canine mammary tumors are most common in toy and toy poodles, and cocker spaniels, setters, and german shepherds, yorkshire terriers. Average age approximately 10 years, but today the number of visits to veterinary clinics with dogs from the age of one to five, with confirmed oncological diseases, is growing rapidly.

One, two, many

Those who kept animals at home are well aware that their nipples are located along the entire surface of the abdomen. There are cases when there are single benign tumors mammary glands in dogs. That is, one of the nipples turns into hard ball that rolls under your fingers. But it does not grow and does not bother the pet in any way.

However, most often in about 40% of animals observed multiple development tumors. Both rows of mammary glands are usually involved in this process. This may be accompanied by a severe inflammatory process, and in some cases even necrosis. Can benign and malignant tumors be distinguished? The first is usually palpable as a small ball that is very mobile and rolls when palpated. It usually has a smooth correct form. In the malignant course of the process, it is attached to the wall abdominal cavity, which can also experienced doctor determine on palpation. These tumors grow rapidly irregular shape. On the surface we see ulcerative lesions, redness of tissues, swelling of the extremities.

Approximately half of all cases that are treated in veterinary clinics are benign tumors of the mammary gland in dogs. These include complex adenomas and simple and papillomas. What to do with them, the veterinarian will decide. It is better not to touch some formations; for the treatment of others, a course of special preparations is prescribed. But the other half of the shaggy patients are those who are much less fortunate. They are diagnosed osteogenic sarcomas, fibrosarcomas, cystic adenocarcinomas and other unpleasant neoplasms, which in some cases are fatal.

Symptoms

Or what an attentive owner should pay attention to. A breast tumor in a dog, the photo of which we provide in our article, manifests itself in the form of a small induration. However, in some cases it remains the same size year after year, while in others it slowly but surely grows. In the case of severe malignant neoplasms, the tissues around this site become inflamed and undergo necrosis. If you see that the bump is constantly growing, and even more so if it has opened and pus is flowing from it, then do not waste time. This is the only way save the dog's life if it's not too late.

Reasons for development

Where do cancerous tumors come from is a question that modern medicine And the veterinarian has not yet fully answered. There are many theories that prove the influence and bad ecology of the city. But this does not explain why all dogs living in the area do not get sick. this region. Some breeds have genetic predisposition, we have already discussed this above.

More recently, veterinarians have made a new statement. Feeding moldy foods encourages tumor growth. Of course, this mostly applies to dry, cheap feed. In this case, the manufacturer does not care about the quality of the initial products, and often spoiled and moldy meat and fish meal is used, to which dyes and flavors are added. To protect your pet from hard fate, feed him natural food or choose only super-premium class products.

The last factor noted by veterinarians as possible cause development of tumors, is the vital activity of worms. By themselves, they do not provoke tumor growth, but their presence in the intestine increases the chances of oncology.

First of all, diagnosis

Noticing a lump of any size on the belly of his pet, each owner begins to think about removing a mammary gland tumor in a dog. However, first of all, the doctor needs to understand what neoplasm he is dealing with. Compaction in the mammary gland and its necrosis can also occur when oncology has nothing to do with it. Therefore, it is important to choose a good clinic where doctors have the opportunity to conduct high-quality diagnostics. It includes:

• Full chemical analysis blood.
• Microscopic examination of blood.
• Analysis of urine.
• X-ray of the chest and abdomen to detect metastases.
• Biopsy of the tumor to reveal its properties.

What forecasts

This is the most complex issue, which every doctor must answer honestly to his patient. It is impossible to say in absentia how long dogs with a breast tumor live. Both the prognosis and the course of treatment will depend on several factors. This is the type of tumor, the condition of the animal, the possibilities of the owner, including financial and temporal ones.

Of course, the presence or absence of metastases will be decisive. If the tumor is benign, then the prognosis is favorable, despite its size. Malignant tumors small sizes, up to five centimeters, allow a cautious forecast. If the size is larger, then it is unfavorable.

Therapy

The only intervention currently available is the removal of a mammary tumor in a dog. Moreover, this decision can also be made in the case when it is benign, just in this case, the chances of recovery are much greater. However, the neoplasm must be excised. But how this process will proceed depends on the age of the animal, its physiological state and the constitution, as well as from the neglect of the process.

Based on this, the operation will also take place in different ways. The dog's mammary tumor can be cut out on its own, or the doctor will remove the muscle along with it. abdominal wall and mammary glands completely. As a rule, you have to immediately remove the ovaries, so as not to provoke serious problems on a hormonal background.

Medical therapy

There are no special pills or drugs that would completely eliminate a mammary gland tumor in a dog. How to treat an animal in addition to surgery, the veterinarian will decide based on the examinations. As a rule, all drugs used are very specific and expensive. Without special purpose no one will sell them anyway.

It is very difficult for a doctor if a malignant tumor penetrates deeply into the surrounding tissues, and sometimes even grows through the vital important organs which cannot be completely removed. In this case, the surgeon tries to clean the cavity as much as possible from tumor cells followed by long-term chemotherapy. We emphasize that today a tumor of the mammary gland in a dog is being considered. Treatment of cancer of the intestines and other organs may take place in a slightly different scenario.

So chemotherapy can take long time, it is designed to prevent the recurrence of the disease. However, adult dog only complete excision of the tumor gives a pronounced positive effect. And in this case, the body experiences tremendous stress from the operation, which is superimposed on an aggressive drug effect. The immune system weakens so much that it may simply not be able to resist oncology in the early stages of therapy. That is, until the moment when it gives results, the dog simply will not live. Estimated time when you can talk about successful treatment- 6.5 months.

Postoperative period

After the dog's mammary tumor has been removed, a long rehabilitation will be required. The duration depends on the quality of the operation and the condition of the animal. But be that as it may, a seam flaunts on the dog's stomach, which requires constant attention. Therefore, hydrogen peroxide, iodine, potassium permanganate and brilliant green are the most necessary drugs today. Every day, morning and evening, it is imperative to process the seam and make sure that there is no inflammation. The first 5-10 days you need to take it to the veterinarian for control every day, then you will already work out your schedule. Most often, a consultation is scheduled every 2 months in order to trace the state of the body with the help of X-rays, namely, the absence of metastases. All other drugs, including painkillers, must be prescribed by the attending physician.

If the tumor has opened

It happens, and quite often. Especially in the case of malignant tumors when they grow sometimes in a few weeks. Or the opposite situation. The bump has been the same size for years without disturbing the animal. However, suddenly a tumor of the mammary gland in a dog opened up. What should the owner do in this case? First of all, show the animal to the veterinarian. If it is a malignant neoplasm, then the pet experiences severe pain, to which constant discomfort due to a festering wound will now be added. Is it worth it to continue this torment? Only on the basis of the tests done, the doctor can recommend what to do next. If the age of the animal exceeds 12 years, then the success of the operation is in question, because the heart may not be able to withstand such a load. However, everyone should have a chance to be saved.

First aid

Until you get to the doctor, you need to process the opened abscess. For this, hydrogen peroxide and a bandage, cotton wool are useful. Wash off the blood and pus, make a sterile bandage and apply to the wound. In order to stretch the inflammation, you can apply streptomycin ointment. However, this is only a one-time impact, so as not to aggravate the situation further and bacterial complication. Next, the doctor must assess the condition and prescribe treatment. This is a difficult test for every owner. A sick pet needs to be taken to the clinic several times a day, take time off from work, negotiate with taxi drivers. In addition, the services of veterinarians today are very expensive. But what can you do, because we are responsible for those who have tamed.

Instead of a conclusion

Any seals and bumps on the body of your pet is a reason to immediately consult a doctor. Not the fact that it is deadly, but you can’t pull it either. The clinic must be chosen very carefully, today many offices are being opened where one doctor works, often not the most experienced, without any diagnostic equipment. And of course, he is ready to accept any shaggy patient, as well as conduct a course of treatment for all diseases. Run away from these doctors. You need good clinic where the surgical oncologist works, and there is modern laboratory. If you are a busy person, then find out right away if there is a hospital at the clinic where your pet can be left for a day for examinations and necessary manipulations, as well as overnight after surgery. Only in this case, your pet has a chance to live next to you for many more years.

Girls, tell me please, my dog's chest is swollen ... it swells a lot ... Is this pregnancy or is there a possibility that it has passed, just hormonal disbalance? Some time ago, we had to give our girl to a friend for overexposure for 2 weeks, because we ourselves were leaving. An acquaintance breeds dogs + he has a paid overexposure and bribed me that he has a Cane Corso (I also have this breed), he knows how to handle them. The dog was in heat, a friend was told about this and he isolated her from the rest of the dogs. The time came, we took her away, put her in the car, and while we went for her toys, bowls, she, somehow opening the car, jumped over the fence to the walking dogs, I think that she walked for 15-20 minutes (knowing her character, I think that she broke free as soon as we left). I really hoped and hope that she didn't do anything. When we saw her, she just ran with them, though, it seems to me, she was very pleased. Then I went with my daughter to relatives, but how test papers at school, the son wrote, so my husband immediately brought him and the dog to me. The swollen chest of the dog immediately caught my eye. She had swollen breasts after her first heat, but I don't think it's as bad as it is now. And it gets bigger and bigger every day. I can’t get to the veterinarian until the rains stop, because there is simply no road, instead of a road there is a swamp. I will be able to leave if it doesn’t rain for 5-7 days, but it rains every day. The dog’s belly didn’t particularly increase, but it sagged, felt it - no one moves there, the chest increases, in character, mobility - it is the same as before, though she began to drink and write more than usual. Is there a chance that the dog is still not pregnant? Or did it just crash? As the law of meanness, upon returning home, we had to sterilize her, we wanted to go into heat, but good doctor there were no places, then he was on vacation.

If the dog is still pregnant, then what to do with the puppies? How to distribute them, who needs them, where to look for the owners? There, such a mixture can turn out ... Our girl ran in a paddock with a shepherd, a sharpei, a Rottweiler (sort of), there was also some big, big furry light dog, a husky (or something similar to it), a mongrel, and more there was a curly-haired dog, not very small in size (I forgot the breed, but they still cut her butt, and the front and part of the legs are curly). There was also some long-legged tall dog I don't know the breed. Well, a couple more dogs ran around, which ones, I don’t remember. Well, the Cane Corso ran there, but he is not an adult.

I trust a friend, I don’t think that he let girls and boys go for a walk together. He has girls separately, boys live and walk separately, aggressive separately, small ones with large ones separately ... In the fall we already left him a dog, she started estrus at overexposure, everything was fine, without consequences.

The mammary glands are located on the abdomen in dogs. They are usually 10 pieces in two rows of 5 pieces. Normally, in a dog that does not feed puppies and is not pregnant, the glands should not have any thickening, swelling, discharge and hyperemia (redness). In pregnant animals, a slight swelling of the glands can normally be observed. But if the owner notices that the mammary glands of his pet have changed shape, color, hardened, or discharge has appeared from them, it is necessary to examine the animal in veterinary clinic to determine the cause of this pathology.

Causes

Depending on the age of the dog, its physiological state, there are several main causes of swelling of the mammary glands in an animal.

1. Galactostasis- this is an excessive accumulation of milk in lactating animals, which leads to inflammation of the mammary gland (mastitis). This, for example, happens if the puppies do not completely empty the mammary glands of the mother and leave a lot of milk.
2. Galactorrhea is the secretion of milk from the mammary glands of a dog that is not feeding. At the same time, the gland also swells, looks edematous, and a secret appears from it from a transparent to milky and yellowish color.
3. Mastitis It's a breast infection. Mastitis may affect only one or a few glands in a dog. In addition to edema, there may be hyperemia of the gland, fever and severe pain.
4. Tumors (neoplasia) of the breast- This malignant neoplasms, which can affect one or all of the dog's mammary glands.
5. Fibroepithelial hypertrophy of the mammary glands is a benign growth of breast tissue.

Establishing diagnosis

As a diagnostic, a veterinarian can take material secreted from the mammary gland for cytological analysis. Such an analysis will show the presence of inflammation in the gland and determine the sensitivity of the infection to certain types of antibiotics.

If a breast tumor is suspected, the animal must be X-ray a pile of cells to rule out lung metastases, and are given a clinical and complete biochemical analyzes blood. Next, the dog is sent for an operation to remove the mammary glands - a mastectomy. After the operation, the removed material is necessarily examined for the presence and type of tumor process to determine the need and choice. further treatment(eg chemotherapy).

Treatment

One of the most common postpartum complications is mastitis. Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary glands that develops both in lactating bitches and in dogs with false puppies. But why does it develop this pathology how does it manifest itself? How to cure a dog?

Causes of mastitis

1. Laktostasis - stagnation of milk. Due to the fact that the secret of the mammary glands is not removed, it begins to compress the alveolar tissue, causing its irritation. Milk is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, therefore, when it is stagnant, microorganisms actively increase in number, leading to the development of inflammation. Lactostasis occurs due to the fact that puppies do not eat all the milk produced (little or complete absence puppies, false puppies).
2. Wounds, cracks in the skin of the mammary glands - all this is an additional gateway for infection. Bacteria and fungi invade the alveolar tissue and circulatory system through damage skin. That is why it is important to ensure that puppies do not scratch the mammary glands of a lactating bitch during feeding (after all, the crumbs “tread” the gland with their paws to stimulate milk production).
3. Other inflammatory processes in the body, intoxication. For example, if a bitch had endometritis (inflammation of the uterus), dead puppies remained in the uterus for a long time, problems with internal organs. Bacteria with blood flow quickly spread throughout the body, and in fact for the formation of milk through the mammary gland must pass great amount blood. This is how the alveolar tissue becomes infected.
4. Blockage of the milk channel. It is very similar to lactostasis, only with it milk is either not removed at all by puppies, or in insufficient quantities, or it is formed too quickly. When the nipple canal is blocked, it cannot be removed from the mammary gland at all.
5. Overheating or hypothermia of the animal. It is very important that a lactating bitch has comfortable conditions content.
6. Impact on the mammary gland of aggressive chemicals.
7. Stress. He doesn't benefit anyone. Because of nervous tension the owner of the pet may notice how the dog's mammary glands swell: mastitis develops.
8. genetic predisposition. Even at the gene level, a tendency to develop an inflammatory process can be laid down. Therefore, if you know the facts that inflammation of the mammary glands took place in your beauty's family, it is better to sterilize the pet so that she does not suffer from mastitis.
9. Poor conditions of detention, dirt on the couch. The dog itself may be dirty. Always keep your pet's mammary glands and nipples clean. Rinse with warm water if necessary.
10. Endocrine diseases. Hormone problems always provoke a deterioration in health. Metabolism is disturbed, organs function worse, hair begins to fade and fall out.

Types of mastitis

The classification of mastitis is downstream: acute and chronic. In an acute course, inflammation develops very quickly, but it is easier to cure a dog with this form. Chronic mastitis is sluggish, the symptoms are more blurred, the mammary gland is “reborn”, and the therapy is protracted and not always effective.

Inflammation of the mammary glands is also classified according to the nature of the exudate: pus, fibrin or mucus (catarrh). That is, most often dogs have purulent or catarrhal mastitis (often with an admixture of blood).

However, there are also serous (outwardly, changes in milk are extremely difficult to notice), fibrinous (in the secret of the glands you can find dense white strands - fibrin strings), phlegmonous (the same purulent, only pus is in subcutaneous tissue, as if spilling), abscessing (abscesses appear in the inflamed lobe - abscesses surrounded connective tissue, like a capsule) and gangrenous (gland tissues "die off", turn black).

Symptoms of mastitis in dogs

• One of the obvious symptoms that a pet has mastitis is a swollen mammary gland in a dog. And if you touch the milk package, it is hot, dense, extremely painful. With lactostasis, the skin temperature on the swollen bag is low, but the overall body temperature jumps much higher than normal.
• Increase in body temperature. Mastitis is inflammation, and it is always accompanied by fever. In addition, there is a strong thirst, lethargy and extremely poor appetite.
• Soreness and redness. Yet again clear signs inflammatory process in the body of the animal. An inflamed milk pack will be visibly reddened, swollen, painful, and tight.
• The secret of the mammary gland changes. Milk does not always noticeably change its consistency (with serous mastitis), however, with gentle pressure, yellowish, yellow-green milk with pieces of pus or blood impurities will come out of the nipple. Purulent mastitis it is dangerous because microorganisms are rapidly spread through the bloodstream throughout the body, and pus can provoke sepsis. With catarrhal mastitis, milk acquires a watery texture, in which flakes of a grayish-yellow color (sometimes brown) can be seen.

Abscesses and phlegmons of milk bags are extremely dangerous, because this purulent foci that can lead to sepsis and gangrene of the gland. The animal dies due to intoxication.

Treating a dog with mastitis

If you notice that the mammary gland in a dog is swollen, then do not try to start treatment on your own. Both lactostasis and mastitis should only be dealt with by a veterinarian. Do not try at home without a qualified veterinary care alleviate the condition of the animal. And in any case, the puppies are transferred to artificial feeding, otherwise they will start having problems with digestion (bacteria in milk are dangerous for a fragile puppy body).

Without antibiotics, it will be almost impossible to cure a pet, but therapy should be comprehensive. We need drugs that improve the outflow of exudate. And antibiotics are ideally selected based on the results of subtitration. It is necessary to carry out bacteriological examination milk from the affected lobe, isolate the pathogen, determine its sensitivity to antibiotics of various groups.

In the early stages good results can be achieved by physiotherapy (two to five sessions are required). But do not try to make them at home yourself. Massages and warming up with purulent inflammation are prohibited, as they lead to the ingress of pus into the blood and surrounding tissues.

Also on initial stage it is possible to achieve good results thanks to novocaine blockade. It would be nice to learn how to properly express milk from the affected lobe in order to remove microorganisms from the inflamed bag and the ideal environment for their reproduction - milk.

In addition, pumping will reduce pressure on the damaged alveolar tissue, reduce pain. However, it is worth remembering that after decanting, milk arrives again, so you will have to carry out this procedure repeatedly, or immediately after emptying the gland, bandage it tightly.

If physiotherapy did not help, then the veterinarian will prescribe antibiotic therapy, vitamin therapy. In more difficult cases necessary and surgical intervention. The pustules are opened, washed and covered with powdered antibiotics.

Prevention of mastitis

• What should be done so that the dog’s mammary gland does not swell, lactostasis and mastitis do not develop? First of all, after whelping, show the pet to the veterinarian. He must check that the animal has no postpartum complications. After all, because of the hidden inflammatory processes mastitis may develop.
• Be sure to clean the couch, the resting place of the nurse. Wash her tummy, milk bags and nipples. Make sure that there are no wounds or cracks on them. If you find, then immediately process and observe.
• Clip your puppies' nails. Such crumbs have claws like needles - very sharp. Therefore, babies can scratch the nursing bitch, thereby opening the gates of infection.
• If the bitch had stillborn puppies, then you need to be observed by a veterinarian. For sure, antibiotic therapy will be prescribed to avoid inflammatory processes in the body, and detoxification.
• If the dog had a false pregnancy or a large influx of milk that the puppies cannot cope with (either there are too few of them, or not at all, or they eat little), then it is necessary to think about suppressing lactation. If it is easier with false pregnancy (special preparations are given, tight bandaging of the glands is done), then in the presence of puppies, such methods are not suitable. Review the diet, remove all "milk" products (this includes soups, liquid cereals, dairy products, wet food and meat), reduce fluid intake.
• Don't forget about your hygiene. Your dirty hands or clothes can lead to inflammation, because after feeding the puppies, the nipple canal will remain open for another half an hour or an hour. And the bacteria from your hands can easily penetrate the gland.
• Do not forget about mopping, just watch what you wash. remember, that household chemicals also harmful to the health of the dog.

False pregnancy is not a disease. This is a complex psychophysical deviation not only in the hormonal system of the animal, but also in the body as a whole. Pathology is the consequences of this condition. Appears in various kinds animals, but specifically in canines this condition is most pronounced. And in such a breed as a dachshund, pseudo-pregnancy is generally secretly considered a breed feature.

The essence of the condition, the causes of occurrence

False pregnancy (or, as cynologists often call it, “spoon”) occurs after the end of estrus, on average, after 4-8 weeks. Also similar condition observed after unsuccessful mating, when fertilization did not occur. The dog's body begins to produce the same set of hormones that are usually produced during a real pregnancy. In parallel with this, internal restructurings are accompanied by the corresponding symptoms - the bitch shows signs of “nesting” in her behavior, the mammary glands swell, colostrum begins to be secreted, and even milk appears from the nipples during a false pregnancy, as with natural successful fertilization.

If you do not take into account historical background occurrence hormonal pregnancy, then the main cause is considered to be a violation during the sexual cycle. The cycle itself is divided into 4 main periods:

• Proestrus (a period of time on the eve of estrus, when the body prepares eggs for potential fertilization).
• Estrus (estrus).
• Metaestrus (time after estrus, when corpus luteum regresses in the absence of fertilization).
• Anestrus (period of hormonal dormancy, when there is no sexual activity in bitches).

"Disruption" in the hormonal system is observed during metaestrus. Physiological feature dogs is during the period of regression of the corpus luteum, equal to the period of pregnancy. Those. the corpus luteum fully functions at the time of regression over the next 2 months, regardless of the presence of fertilization or its absence. Also during this period, the same hormones are produced and approximately in the same amount. The slightest deviation in their work, and the level immediately leans towards the "pregnant" side, increasing the production of progesterone. After a failure, after the indicated 2 months, prolactin is also added to progesterone, which stimulates milk production, because. the body begins to prepare for feeding supposedly born puppies. Here's the explanation: there are hormones, puppies - no.

To given state absolutely all bitches are inclined, regardless of size, age or breed, i.e. potentially every dog ​​is on the verge between false or natural pregnancy.

The main clinical symptoms of false pregnancy, its consequences

The intensity of the manifestation of the clinic depends on the intensity of the hormonal failure. The main thing to note is that the more symptomatic pseudo-pregnancy is, the more dangerous this condition is for the health and life of the dog. Clinically, changes manifest themselves in two directions - behavioral and physiological. With a false pregnancy, the symptoms practically coincide with normal pregnancy, and only the absence of fetal movements will “tell” that the pregnancy is not real.

How long does it take false pregnancy at the dog? Without complications, on average, this condition lasts about 2-3 weeks.

The main physiological symptoms include:

• swelling of the mammary glands, production and further release of colostrum and milk;
• enlargement and swelling of the loop, serous-mucous or brownish discharge from it (although, in general, discharge during false pregnancy is optional);
• decrease or increase in appetite, signs of toxicosis;
• increase in body temperature;
• a slight increase in the volume of the abdomen;
• signs of pseudobirth with pseudocontractions are possible.

Specific behavioral signs:

• increased anxiety, whining;
• decrease in vitality, apathy (the animal refuses to run / jump / play, passive, not amenable to training);
• signs of “nesting” are clearly observed (the dog persistently arranges a “nest” for future puppies, hides in sheltered places);
• dragging soft toys into the “den”, behaving with them like with puppies (licking, protecting, laying them out near the stomach);
• the transfer of maternal instinct to other small domestic animals or even humans;
• aggressive protection of the “nest” (in severe cases).

The very state of imaginary puppyhood does not threaten the dog with anything. Dangerous consequences that can cause significant harm to the animal's health with a certain degree of probability of death.

The dangers that an imaginary pregnancy carries:

• persistent, irreversible nervous disorders(literally, the dog can go crazy);
• purulent mastitis (inflammation of the mammary glands due to milk stagnation);
• endometritis, turning into chroniosepsis (inflammation of the uterine mucosa, turning into chronic sepsis);
• pyometra ( purulent inflammation in the uterus - the most dangerous consequence with a high mortality rate in dogs);
• oncology of the mammary glands and organs of the reproductive system.

First aid for pseudopregnancy and prevention of occurrence

The state of imaginary pregnancy usually goes away on its own within a few weeks and no special actions it is often not required. The owner of the pet can only somewhat alleviate her condition with simple manipulations. When a false pregnancy occurs in a dog, every bitch owner should know what to do:

• exclude all dairy products from the diet and restrict access to liquid in a dosed manner so as not to stimulate lactation;
• switch the bitch from dry food to regular food in order to eliminate an additional thirst stimulus, as well as reduce the consumption of protein products, including meat;
• reduce the standard serving size of food given;
• try to exercise the dog physically - walks, active games with a ball or a stick, etc. This will help her to distract herself from the imaginary concern for non-existent puppies;
• it is forbidden to express milk so as not to provoke its additional production. Stop the dog's attempts to lick (suck) milk from its nipples on its own (you can wear a special bandage or blanket);
• remove toys and, if possible, small pets from the field of view, which are objectively perceived by the bitch as imaginary puppies;
• with engorgement of the mammary glands, you can make compresses from bread crumb and honey, aloe juice or cabbage leaves(better at night).

With minor clinical manifestations imaginary pregnancy all the above actions help the dog survive this unpleasant period without much harm to health. It is also possible to accelerate the process of its return to normal. If the symptoms persist or even increase their manifestation, it is quite possible that the animal will not be able to be helped without drug exposure.

All of these measures are also suitable for preventing the occurrence of hormonal disruptions in bitches. Starting from 9-10 days after the cessation of estrus, you need to reduce portions of food and the amount of water consumed, exclude meat and dairy products, and increase physical activity. In other words, conditions are created for the animal that the hormonal system will perceive as unfavorable for the appearance of offspring. All this will mitigate or completely eliminate the false pregnancy syndrome.

IMPORTANT: if the first signs of a false pregnancy in a bitch were detected, the owner should in no case scold the animal or punish it for unusual behavior. The dog cannot control his instinctive state, because. everything happens at the level of hormones. But such an attitude can bring the state closer nervous breakdown at the pet.

If the animal does not represent any breed value and the owner’s plans do not include regular mating and breeding of puppies, sterilization is considered one of the most reasonable and humane ways to prevent an exacerbation of a pseudo-pregnant condition, as well as other gynecological problems and even cancer problems. It is important to have time to perform the operation in a state of hormonal rest (anestrus period) or immediately after a false pregnancy, removing both the uterus and the ovaries. It is impossible to sterilize at the very peak of the “false” state.

Some breeders use pseudo-pregnancy to good use - for example, they feed puppies of other bitches, who for some reason cannot do this themselves. In such cases, this condition may be delayed, although it will cause less harm to the dog's health than treatment.

Medical care for false pregnancy

In the case when a dog has a false pregnancy, only a specialist will tell you how to treat it. For treatment, drugs are selected only veterinarian and only after preliminary relevant studies: ultrasound, blood test for hormones and a smear to control the vaginal flora.

When prescribing medicines, the following is taken into account:

• breed, weight and temperament of the animal;
• the severity and duration of "imaginary" symptoms;
• how many times the condition occurred;
• whether further mating of the female is planned;
• the state of the reproductive system and hormonal levels.

Preparations are hormonal and homeopathic. Hormonal drugs have a lot of side effects, and their use is associated with some risk. Homeopathic medicines have fewer side effects, but their use is longer and more expensive. Throughout the treatment, the dog must be under veterinary control, because. any drugs - even hormonal, even homeopathic - can have specific side effects which must be identified in time and prevented their consequences.

homeopathic remedies

• Ovariovitis
• Ovarium Compositum
• Phytoelite Cytostat
• Gormel
• Galastop

Hormonal drugs

• Naloxone
• Bromocriptine
• Nonestron

Findings:

• pseudo-pregnancy is not a disease, it is, in fact, a feature of work hormonal system dogs;
• treatment is not always required, sometimes everything goes naturally;
• to drug treatment resorted to in the most extreme cases and only under the strict supervision of a veterinarian;
• sterilization in correct period the sexual cycle can be an effective and humane way of prevention.