False Pregnancy?...

[TrickyShepherd]

....It's always something with Zira..


Ok.. so, about a month ago I started noticing Zira's nipples were looking a big larger then usual and hanging a bit. However, I don't really study my dogs nipple area, so I just guessed it was just her.... everything else about her is strange and out of place... why not that area too?! (nothing seemed unhealthy)

A couple weeks went by until I noticed that area started sagging. Thought it was weird and kept an eye on it. Last night however, It was really bothering me! It's hanging pretty far! I know what a lactating female looks like. Our golden (rip) was on a breeding contract, She was bred once to a male chosen by her breeder back in 99'. Anyway, I remember the way she changed during pregnancy and remember how her glands became swollen and nipples were very large. This is exactly what I saw when I looked closely at Zira's. I grabbed one, and MILK came out!!!! Completely white, not yellow, or clear. She didn't care that I did that... no pain or discomfort... just confused of why I was grabbing her "lady area".

Before I get tons of comments with pregnancy in mind, I'll give you some info on Zira's upbringing. I watch her like a hawk, she is never out of my sight (indoors and out). She is always with me. We haven't been to a dog park since she was little, and even there I was very watchful of male dogs. She's never been around an attached male (except one when she was REALLY young, and he wouldn't even go near her to play... let alone anything else... and if he did, I would have ripped his owner a new one!!). She has never been mounted, not even the 'dominance' mount.... never! I don't take any chances with my dogs. So pregnancy is definitely a 0% chance.

Other things I've noticed are (related or not, I don't know): She is REALLY itchy! She's destroying her coat in her back/side area. This came up really strong, and a bit out of no where. She has sensitive skin, but that was always mild and maintained with specific grooming, shampoos, and minimal baths. Now, no matter what I do (or give her) the dog itches terribly (she also licks/itches her belly a lot lately). She also ripped her bed up last night. She has NEVER touched any of her beds/blankets..... not even a playful tug! This is VERY strange of her.... almost like she's "nesting". She did it during the night. I do know she was very restless all night long. I thought nothing of it at the time, and just kept telling her to stop and go to sleep. And lastly... she has been REEEAAALLLLY whiny! She cries a lot more then often. Zira is a VERY VERY vocal dog, and gets excited or bored easily..... she makes it very well known to everyone. I haven't seen any sign of discomfort though, so I don't think it's pain... maybe just frustration? or confusion?

Anyway, I've read a few posts on here, and it sounds like a false pregnancy. I saw that it can happen around 2 months after a heat cycle. She's only had one heat and it started September 21st... so, I guess the timing is about right for it. I've also read that is can last over a month.... some even go as far as false labor!!! Oh, Good Lord I hope that is not in our future!!!

Any one else think this is what it sounds like? Any other ideas? And if you've been through it/know of it...... are there any signs I should be watching for/concerned with? I just want to make sure she's ok. I don't mind some insanity (we're used to it here!) as long as there is no danger to her.

(Oh a side note, she is already getting spayed asap. That was the plan from the beginning. However, with her being so sickly as a puppy we just couldn't risk putting her under the knife, so it was put off a million times. Now that she's healthier, of course, it's on hold for a bit... thanks to her previous medical bills, what it took to get her out of that place, and some other issues non-dog related.. AND the fact that I have to do X-rays for her hips now when she goes under, so it's a bit more pricey.)

[HeyJude]

You poor person. I would think it is a false pregnancy, but keep an eye on her. I would think a spay is order pronto. I'm not a professional at this, so maybe someone else can give their opinion?

[TrickyShepherd]

Originally Posted by HeyJude

You poor person. I would think it is a false pregnancy, but keep an eye on her. I would think a spay is order pronto. I'm not a professional at this, so maybe someone else can give their opinion?

Thanks! We are definitely keeping an eye on her. I haven't noticed any pain. So, I'm hoping this will just come and go, then we can move on. She's been eating a little less.. but going potty just fine. And she did throw up 3 times in a row though (small amounts), so I am not sure if she's feeling a bit ill, or if she was sneaky enough to get passed me and eat something she shouldn't have. She's also been crazy hyper today.... so, I am really not sure how she's feeling.... Other then everything I've mentioned, she has been her normal self! So weird.....

Her spay surgery is definitely coming asap! I never wanted another intact female. The plan was to get her done before her first heat cycle to prevent any further issues. However, the sibo and her other issues made her extremely ill... I refused to risk my dog over an 'optional' surgery. So we made the decision to get through the sibo at least, get her fattened up and then get her spayed... even if that meant going through a heat cycle. Now we are at that point with her, mostly.... just need to make sure the funds are there for the surgery, and all the care afterwards (always like having a money cushion for the dogs after any procedures.. god forbid something went wrong... I NEVER want money to be a reason to put a dog down) and then the x-rays of her hips, and possibly elbows too to see how bad they are. During the holiday season, this is of course a bit more difficult to build up. But, I look forward to the day it's done and over with!!

[misterW]

My 2 year old has had some false pregnancy type behavior. It has amounted to, at some point after her heat, finding isolated corners to dig a den, spending time lying there, carrying stuffed animals to the den and licking them, carrying stuffed animals around and whining, that sort of thing. Hasn't been too much of a problem, just feel a little bad for her because she seems to get all anxious about the well-being of her stuffed animals.