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Phantom Pregnancy/False Pregnancy help

Dstack

Well-Known Member
Hi All-
I have a call into the Vet for this week. Our Boerboel went into Heat 16 weeks ago. Her nipples have swollen and she has no interest in eating unless enticed with “canned food” or table scraps. She is not losing weight and she is definitely trying to nest on her bed with toys etc. She is not pregnant. I’ve read everything I can about false pregnancies in dogs am wondering if anyone has gone through this with their female Mastiff? I’m reading about pyometra and how this can be life threatening. Daisy is just a year old this month- her first heat at 10 months. Any info or experience anyone? Thanks so much.
 

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
Ella had her first heat at 9 months and had short cycles at about four months apart. She also had several phantom pregnancies. I was told that once they have one they're more likely to have them again, and it did seem like that's how it was with her. I also know that the risk of pyo goes up with the phantom pregnancies and, in Ella's case, short cycles. Pyo most definitely is life threatening and it scares the crap out of me. The stories my daughter told from assisting in surgeries at the emergency clinic were awful. If I had it to do over again, I'd have spayed Ella sooner than I did.

She's almost 13 months old now, is that right? I was advised to wait or 8-12 weeks after a heat cycle to allow hormone levels to even out again before spaying. That would put her at 16 months minimum when this is over. Probably longer because clearly her hormones are still out of whack. I would be comfortable spaying at 16-18 months. The risk of mammary cancer increases significantly after the first heat as well, so that would be another thing to consider if you planned to spay her eventually anyway. Something like 8% increased risk after the first heat and 25% after the second. Just a few things to consider.
 

Dstack

Well-Known Member
Ella had her first heat at 9 months and had short cycles at about four months apart. She also had several phantom pregnancies. I was told that once they have one they're more likely to have them again, and it did seem like that's how it was with her. I also know that the risk of pyo goes up with the phantom pregnancies and, in Ella's case, short cycles. Pyo most definitely is life threatening and it scares the crap out of me. The stories my daughter told from assisting in surgeries at the emergency clinic were awful. If I had it to do over again, I'd have spayed Ella sooner than I did.

She's almost 13 months old now, is that right? I was advised to wait or 8-12 weeks after a heat cycle to allow hormone levels to even out again before spaying. That would put her at 16 months minimum when this is over. Probably longer because clearly her hormones are still out of whack. I would be comfortable spaying at 16-18 months. The risk of mammary cancer increases significantly after the first heat as well, so that would be another thing to consider if you planned to spay her eventually anyway. Something like 8% increased risk after the first heat and 25% after the second. Just a few things to consider.
Thanks for the response Boxergirl. Yes- she’ll be 13 months Feb 14th and we definitely plan on getting her spayed at the 16/18 week time frame. I’ve read that Pyo is rare in young dogs but it can still occur. I’m also concerned about her lack of appetite. Even with her favorites ( roasted chicken, scrambled eggs, ham etc) she really doesn’t have a strong desire to eat. She still loves our long trots every morning and evening. Do you remember if Ella was similar in this aspect of her false pregnancy? Appointment w the Vet is tomorrow so hopefully I will be reassured that Daisy is A-okay. Again- thanks for the in depth response. It is very helpful!
 

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
She did go off her food and just generally was not herself temperamentally. I hated it. Please let us know what the vet says. I honestly think the benefit of spaying a couple of months early may be worth it for you and for her. It's also an easier surgery when they're younger. Less fat and tissue to work around. Ella had a tough time of it and I'm very sorry I waited so long.
 

Dstack

Well-Known Member
She did go off her food and just generally was not herself temperamentally. I hated it. Please let us know what the vet says. I honestly think the benefit of spaying a couple of months early may be worth it for you and for her. It's also an easier surgery when they're younger. Less fat and tissue to work around. Ella had a tough time of it and I'm very sorry I waited so long.
Daisy did really well at the Vet and has a clean bull of health. She is definitely experiencing a false pregnancy but she’s maintained her weight (132lbs) and no signs of dehydration. She actually pepped up and ate quite a bit this morning- isn’t that typical of the same day doctor visit? All the sudden she’s fresh as a “Daisy”!!?! We discussed getting her spayed at the 16 month mark but we’ll have to see where her heat cycle falls. Thanks so much Boxergirl for the input. Very helpful.