Swelling of the mammary glands in dogs. False pregnancy: symptoms and treatment

False pregnancy in dogs or “false pregnancy” is a failure reproductive system in bitches, which is expressed in the fact that psychophysiologically the dog behaves and feels as if it were pregnant, while in fact it is not pregnant. This is a very common phenomenon in to a greater extent inherent in nulliparous dogs, bitches that were bred only once, as well as dogs that did not become pregnant as a result of mating. During the period of false pregnancy, a dog needs the attention and care of its owners, and in some cases, qualified assistance from specialists.

Causes of false pregnancy in dogs

Most experts believe that the source of this condition in dogs is hormonal changes during the sexual cycle. As is known, there are several phases of the estrous cycle, namely: 1) proestrus: the period preceding estrus, during which the formation of eggs ready for fertilization occurs; 2) estrus: coincides in time with estrus, the optimal time for mating 3) metaestrus: the period after the end of the “hunt”, during which regression of the so-called “corpus luteum” occurs if fertilization has not occurred 4) anestrus: a state of “rest” when the bitch’s sexual behavior does not manifest itself or manifests itself weakly.

False pregnancy occurs due to the fact that regression of the corpus luteum promotes the production of progestron, the pregnancy hormone. Unlike other animals, dogs corpus luteum does not dissolve, but functions for about 60 days, regardless of whether the bitch is pregnant or not. Thus, the brain and internal organs dogs seem to receive a “hormonal signal” that they need to prepare for the arrival of puppies. When the time comes for the dog to give birth, the release of prolactin, a hormone that promotes the appearance of milk in the dog, begins.

Symptoms of false pregnancy

Signs of false pregnancy in dogs can be divided into physiological and behavioral. During the “spoon”, the dog’s belly visually enlarges and sags, the mammary glands swell and seem to “coarse”. The bitch becomes restless and her appetite increases. She begins to prepare for the arrival of the “puppies” - she builds a “nest”, hides in secluded places in the apartment, sometimes on the contrary, she becomes overly sociable and even intrusive with the owners. After the “birth” period has passed, the dog begins to nurse toys, mistaking them for puppies. She can lie with them in the “nest” for a long time, reacting extremely aggressively to attempts to drive her out of there or take away her toys. Shortly before or immediately after “birth” (about 2 months from the middle of the last heat), the dog begins to lactate (i.e., milk appears).

False pregnancy in a dog: prevention and treatment

Many doctors recommend spaying dogs to solve this problem, and in many cases this actually helps (as long as the dog's reproductive organs are removed and not simply "tied").

If for some reason you do not want to sterilize your dog, you can try to eliminate or minimize the manifestations of false pregnancy after estrus by adjusting the dog’s walking routine and diet. Starting from the 9th day after the end of estrus, it is necessary to reduce portions of both food and water, excluding meat and dairy products, and at the same time increase physical activity for the dog. As practice shows, this significantly “softens” or even helps to avoid the occurrence of false pregnancy syndrome.

If a false pregnancy in a dog is severe, the above symptoms are combined with apathy, you need to seek professional help. veterinary care. Hormonal therapy is often used to treat false pregnancy, however hormonal medications, as a rule, have a number side effects and can be dangerous. An alternative may be treatment based on homeopathic medicines, however, it is necessary to select for each dog individual means and be sure to consult with specialists before using them.

How dangerous is false pregnancy for a dog?

Due to the fact that milk accumulates in the mammary glands of the bitch during the “spoon”, mastitis can develop. Also, due to the accumulation of excess mucus in the uterus, false pregnancy often leads to pyometra (purulent inflammation of the uterus). This disease is characterized high performance mortality and can only be treated by removal reproductive organs, i.e. surgical sterilization (castration) of a dog.

What an owner should not do if a dog is falsely pregnant

1. Do not punish the dog under any circumstances: its behavior during a false pregnancy is determined by hormones and it cannot control it.
2. If the dog produces milk, it should not be expressed. Do not let your dog suck the milk (you can wear a veterinary blanket).
3. Contrary to popular belief, a one-time mating and birth will not save the dog from developing a false pregnancy in the future, and in some cases will only worsen its course.

Girls, please tell me, my dog’s breasts are swollen... very swollen... This is pregnancy

Or is there a possibility that it just passed hormonal imbalance? Some time ago we had to give our girl to a friend for foster care for 2 weeks, because we were leaving ourselves. An acquaintance breeds dogs + he has paid foster care and I was attracted by the fact that he has a Cane Corso (I also have this breed), he knows how to treat them. The dog was going into heat, a friend was told about this and he isolated her from the other dogs. The time came, we picked her up, put her in the car and while we went to get her toys and bowls, she somehow opened the car and jumped over the fence to the walking dogs, I think she walked for about 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 was simply running with them, although, it seems to me, she was very happy. Then I left with my daughter to visit relatives, and how tests My son wrote at school, so my husband immediately brought him and the dog to me. The dog’s swollen chest immediately caught my eye. After her first heat, her breasts were swollen, but it seems to me that not as much as now. And it gets bigger and bigger every day. I can’t get to the vet 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 there is no rain for 5-7 days, but it rains every day. The dog’s belly has not increased much, but it has sagged, I touched it - no one is moving there, the chest is increasing, in character, mobility - it is the same as before, it has actually begun to drink and pee more than usual. Is there a chance that the dog is not pregnant after all? Or most likely she got pregnant? Like the law of meanness, upon returning home we had to sterilize her, we wanted to do it before she went into heat, but good doctor there were no places, then he was on vacation.

If the dog is pregnant, then what should you do with the puppies? How to distribute them, who needs them, where to look for owners? There might be such a mixture... Our girl was running around in a pen with a shepherd dog, a sharpei, a rottweiler (sort of), there was also some big, big shaggy light dog, a husky (or something similar to it), a mongrel, etc. There was a curly-haired dog, not particularly small in size (I forgot the breed, but they still cut her backside, and her front and part of her legs were curly). There was also some kind of long-legged tall dog, I don’t know the breed. Well, there were also a couple of dogs running around, I don’t remember which ones exactly. Well, there was a Cane Corso running around there, but he was not an adult.

I trust my friend, I don’t think he let the girls and boys go out together. He has the girls separately, the boys live separately and go for walks, aggressive ones separately, small ones with large ones separately... In the fall, we already left him a dog, she went into heat in the foster home, everything was fine, without consequences.

Such hormonal changes are determined by evolution and occur in pack dogs. In a pack, females come into heat at the same time, therefore, puppies are born at the same time. Hormonal changes allow even females who have not become pregnant to participate in feeding puppies, thanks to which even cubs whose mother has lost milk or died survive.

In conditions wildlife When food is scarce, females produce less milk and the strongest puppies survive. This is advisable so that the flock does not increase in unfavorable conditions and there is no competition for a small amount of food. To prevent and treat false pregnancies in domestic dogs, artificial " unfavorable conditions» - a diet with reduced calorie content and increased physical activity.

This condition is not a pathology. Related to hormonal imbalance. After estrus, the animal’s body begins to produce corpus luteum. Accordingly, due to the high release of lactogenic substances, signs of pregnancy appear.

If fertilization does not occur in the female, the corpora lutea gradually disappear and the body returns to normal. The lifespan of corpora lutea is equal to the pregnancy period of dogs - up to 70 days.

Causes of the syndrome: metritis, purulent inflammatory processes(pyometra); lack of regular breeding activities; uneven or increased production of a hormone that occurs only during pregnancy.

Whether fertilization has occurred or not, the animal still releases pregnancy hormones. The more hormones, the more pronounced the pseudopregnancy syndrome.

Depending on the age of the dog and its physiological state, several main reasons for swelling of the mammary glands in an animal can be identified.

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

Older animals over 6 years of age are primarily at risk. At the age of 10 years, according to veterinary statistics, every fifth dog undergoes a neoplasm.

In addition, the likelihood of developing a malignant tumor during early surgery to remove the reproductive organs (at the age of 6 months) in a dog is practically zero.

Most experts believe that the source of this condition in dogs is hormonal changes during the sexual cycle. As is known, there are several phases of the estrous cycle, namely: 1) proestrus: the period preceding estrus, during which the formation of eggs ready for fertilization occurs;

2) estrus: coincides in time with estrus, the optimal time for mating 3) metaestrus: the period after the end of the “hunt”, during which regression of the so-called “corpus luteum” occurs if fertilization has not occurred 4) anestrus: a state of “rest” when the bitch’s sexual behavior does not manifest itself or manifests itself weakly.

False pregnancy occurs due to the fact that regression of the corpus luteum promotes the production of progestron, the pregnancy hormone. Unlike other animals, in dogs the corpus luteum does not dissolve, but functions for about 60 days, regardless of whether the bitch is pregnant or not. Thus, the dog’s brain and internal organs seem to receive a “hormonal signal” that it needs to prepare for the arrival of puppies. When the time comes for the dog to give birth, the release of prolactin, a hormone that promotes the appearance of milk in the dog, begins.

• The tumor can be presented in the form of either a single solid neoplasm, or in the form of several compactions.
• The owner can detect them on his own. For this he will need carefully palpate your pet's mammary glands.
• A newly grown tumor resembles a hard pea, which almost does not move in the subcutaneous layers.
• Sometimes OMF grows rapidly in size and in 3-4 weeks it doubles.
• Distinguish a benign neoplasm from a malignant one can only veterinarian. A noncancerous tumor has a smooth surface. She has a small size. It grows quite slowly.

Malignant tumor

The following are characteristic of a malignant neoplasm:

1. Rapid growth.
2. Wrong shape.
3. Surface stability skin and other fabrics.
4. The appearance of bleeding.
5. Changing the shade of fabrics.
6. The appearance of ulcers.
7. Swelling of the paws.

The latter symptom appears only when the lymph nodes are affected.

Early stages

In the early stages, cancer develops asymptomatically. Without regular palpation of the mammary glands, a dangerous disease can only be detected when it has developed to a critical stage.

Types of breast tumors

Owners should clearly understand that mammary tumors in dogs are not always a death sentence. Experienced veterinarians are convinced that cancer occurs only in 40% of cases. Now let’s figure out what types of breast cancer there are.

TO benign neoplasms should include:

• adenomas: simple and complex;
• papillomas formed on the milk ducts;
• fibroadenomas;
• neoplasms mixed type, which consist of glandular and connective tissues.

Malignant tumors are presented as:

• carcinomas;
• fibrosarcomas and osteosarcomas;
• tubular cancer;
• adenocarcinoma of the nipple;
• anaplastic cancer.

Thus, treatment of a mammary tumor depends entirely on the course of the pathology itself in the dog’s body. If we talk about the differences in treatment depending on the tissue type of the tumor, then within the same course the methods of therapeutic intervention are always similar to each other.

In veterinary practice, there are more than a dozen different types of mammary gland tumors in dogs. Complex classification is associated with histological structure tumor, its localization, damage to one or another tissue/cellular structure. In general, all neoplasms are divided into benign and malignant (cancerous).

Malignant

Basic distinctive feature cancerous tumor is hers rapid growth and the ability to metastasize throughout the body. There are two forms in dogs malignant neoplasms– nodular and diffuse. In the first case, the swelling has small sizes and can be single or multiple.

At diffuse form an extensive, diffuse, pathological formation without clear boundaries is observed. This form of pathology has the most unfavorable prognosis for the life of a pet.

Types of malignant breast lesions include:

• papillary adenocarcinoma;
• armored cancer;
• carcinoma;
• anaplastic cancer;
• sarcoma;
• tubular cancer.

Most aggressive form neoplasms are adenocarcinoma and armored type of pathology. Both varieties are characterized by lightning-fast growth and the rapid formation of metastases to internal organs and regional lymph nodes.

Benign

This type of neoplasm in the dog's mammary gland is characterized by long-term development, absence of metastases, favorable prognosis for a sick pet. Known in veterinary practice the following types such tumors:

• adenomas;
• fibroadenomas;
• papillomas;
• mixed neoplasms.

Most often, fibroadenoma is diagnosed in dogs, which accounts for approximately 35 - 40% of calls for swelling in the mammary glands.

Causes of false pregnancy in dogs

The syndrome appears approximately 5-8 weeks after the last estrus. It’s easy to determine by the following signs:

• morning sickness: nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, abdominal cramps. Possible constant hunger, frequent urination, swelling of the mammary glands;
• change in appetite - the dog either eats a lot, or refuses to eat, or there is a change in food preferences;
• weight increases, milk or colostrum appears, mammary glands swell;
• coprophagia - sometimes the animal begins to consume feces as food;
• anxiety - by the time the cubs are falsely born, the bitch begins to feel short of breath, her behavior becomes agitated, and the animal refuses to go for a walk. If the owner begins to insist on walking, the false mother begins to “cry” and imitate abdominal cramps near the entrance door;
• nesting - the bitch begins to build a nest, expressing affection for toys, slippers and other things that in her imagination play the role of puppies (brings them to the nest and protects them from others).

Pseudopregnancy is characterized by signs that are observed during real pregnancy. Accordingly, if a bitch is found listed signs, it is worth contacting a veterinarian for a correct diagnosis.

• - enlargement and swelling of the mammary glands;
• - change in pigmentation of the mammary glands;
• - formation and release of milk (colostrum) from the mammary glands;
• - swelling of the loop and the appearance of discharge from it;
• - loss of appetite.

Except physical condition The behavior of a bitch changes during pseudo-pregnancy:

• - the dog makes a “den” - a place for future puppies;
• - pulls soft toys into the nest, which he selflessly nurses (puts them under his stomach, licks them);
• - loses interest in other areas of life (walks, games, training), becomes apathetic or, conversely, nervous, “twitchy”;
• - in the most difficult cases the bitch may even begin to guard her den and non-existent puppies.

Signs of false pregnancy in dogs can be divided into physiological and behavioral. During the “spoon”, the dog’s belly visually enlarges and sags, the mammary glands swell and seem to “coarse”. The bitch becomes restless and her appetite increases. She begins to prepare for the arrival of the “puppies” - she builds a “nest”, hides in secluded places in the apartment, sometimes on the contrary, she becomes overly sociable and even intrusive with the owners.

After the “birth” period has passed, the dog begins to nurse toys, mistaking them for puppies. She can lie with them in the “nest” for a long time, reacting extremely aggressively to attempts to drive her out of there or take away her toys. Shortly before or immediately after “birth” (about 2 months from the middle of the last heat), the dog begins to lactate (i.e., milk appears).

Many doctors recommend spaying dogs to solve this problem, and in many cases this actually helps (as long as the dog's reproductive organs are removed and not simply "tied").

If for some reason you do not want to sterilize your dog, you can try to eliminate or minimize the manifestations of false pregnancy after estrus by adjusting the dog’s walking routine and diet. Starting from day 9 after the end of estrus, it is necessary to reduce portions of both food and water, excluding meat and dairy products, and at the same time increase physical activity for the dog. As practice shows, this significantly “softens” or even helps to avoid the occurrence of false pregnancy syndrome.

If a false pregnancy in a dog is severe, the above symptoms are combined with apathy, you must seek professional veterinary help. Hormone therapy is often used to treat false pregnancy, but hormonal medications usually have a number of side effects and can be dangerous.

Clinical picture and symptoms

False pregnancy occurs 1-2 months after estrus; it is normal that the author of the message noticed the swollen mammary glands in the pet later. Symptoms manifest themselves individually, sometimes clearly expressed, sometimes invisible.

Manifestations of false greed:

• The mammary glands swell and enlarge.
• Colostrum begins to be released.
• The color of the mammary glands changes.
• Appetite increases.
• Discharge appears from the loop (genital organs).
• Behavior changes: the dog becomes restless or lethargic, loses interest in walks, games, builds a nest and guards, nurses soft toys, licks them.
• The belly becomes enlarged, as during pregnancy.
• In severe cases of severe hormonal imbalances, imaginary labor and contractions occur.

Manifestations of the condition vary from person to person; in the absence of discharge and changes in behavior, the case is considered mild.

On early stages A breast tumor is almost impossible to identify. It can appear in the form of a lump or a small pea, which is sometimes very difficult to notice. The animal does not react at all to developing pathology, it doesn’t itch, doesn’t whine, doesn’t try to lick her. Obvious symptoms At the very beginning, only such an aggressive tumor as inflammatory carcinoma, which affects the dog's mammary glands with large and painful abscesses, gives rise.

New growths on the glands are most often discovered by owners accidentally, when touching the organ. At that time, a lumpy, stable formation will already have formed there. However, veterinarians advise paying attention to the following symptoms characteristic of a tumor:

1. Single or multiple, with good differentiation, lumps, swellings or nodules that are located in the tissues of the glands of the animal.
2. Often the neoplasms are connected to the nipple and may be covered with ulcers.
3. Lumps and nodules can move freely under the animal’s skin, which serves good sign their good quality. Or, on the contrary, they are well fixed and sit deep, which indicates a formidable sign of malignancy.
4. When you press your finger into the area of ​​the mammary glands, the dog may whine or even try to bite the owner. This indicates that the tumor is painful.
5. Unpleasant whitish discharge from the nipples.
6. Enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit or groin area. This is a terrible sign that the tumor has begun to metastasize.

It is extremely important for the owner to understand that in many respects the development of symptoms in the case of malignant tumor, is connected with where exactly it will metastasize. For example, the presence of shortness of breath or difficulty breathing is a sign that metastases are going to the lungs, lameness - to the bones of the paws. If a dog has any of the listed symptoms, it must be urgently taken to a doctor, who will conduct a diagnosis and determine how to treat the pet.

The external location of the mammary glands greatly facilitates the early detection of a dangerous pathology. However, in order to detect a tumor in a timely manner, the owner should regularly feel the pet’s abdominal area. The following symptoms should alert you:

• The presence of one or more lumps under the skin. Redness of the skin is often detected.
• The consistency of the formations can be dense, soft, loose.
• On palpation, compactions may be mobile or tightly fused with surrounding tissues.
• The nipples change their anatomical configuration, increase in size, and change color.

• Upon palpation, the animal may become restless, which indicates pain.
• The seals are hot to the touch.
• In advanced cases, ulceration and tumor opening with the formation of fistulas are observed.
• When pressed, a purulent or bloody mass flows out of the nipple.
• The general condition of the dog also changes. The animal becomes lethargic, apathetic, avoids favorite games, and is reluctant to go for a walk. The dog often licks the sore spot. There is a deterioration in appetite or a complete refusal to feed.

Early stages

Diagnostics

Without carrying out a full range of diagnostic procedures, it will not be possible to cure an animal. Ordinary palpation, even if the doctor is very experienced, will never be enough to accurately determine the nature of the pathology. Therefore, in case of a tumor, a biopsy is required - tissue sampling from the affected tissue and its careful histological examination.

X-rays and ultrasound are used to determine whether the tumor is metastasizing. For example, if an animal begins to limp, then an x-ray of the paw is prescribed, which will help determine whether the bone tissue is affected cancer cells. Most best option- This comprehensive diagnostics, only with its help can you determine what stage the cancer is at and what to do to stop its spread.

If your pet detects any lump, even one that seems insignificant at first glance, in the area of ​​the mammary glands, it is necessary to urgently visit specialized clinic. The veterinarian will palpate and determine the shape, boundaries of the formation, and the presence of a reaction from the regional lymph nodes. After a clinical analysis of the history, the animal is prescribed an x-ray examination of the diseased area.

An informative diagnostic method is breast biopsy under ultrasound control followed by cytological examination material. Based on histological analysis, the final diagnosis is made. Magnetic resonance and computed tomography are used as an additional method for examining the mammary gland in veterinary practice.

To clarify the diagnosis, the veterinarian prescribes the following:

1. X-rays.
2. Biopsies.
3. Cytology.
4. Aspiration.

• With the help X-ray examinations, in the lungs and lymph nodes metastases are detected. Ultrasound reveals tumors in the abdominal cavity.
• Breast secretions sent for microscopic analysis.
• Aspiration and cytology reveal inflammation. And these diagnostic methods also help determine the type of tumor and how sensitive it is to the effects of medications.
• The most effective and informative diagnostic method is histological analysis. It allows you to determine the nature of the detected tumor.
• The stage of pathology is determined by the size of the tumor. But the absence or presence of metastasis is also taken into account. In addition, the specialist undertakes to assess the extent of damage to nearby organs.
• If the dog is limping, it is recommended x-ray of the paw. This will help determine the presence of bone metastases.

In order to clarify the diagnosis, differential diagnosis is prescribed.

False pregnancy in a dog: prevention and treatment

Although the condition is not recognized as a disease, veterinary attention is required, especially in severe cases. False pregnancy causes psychological discomfort to the animal and can lead to diseases of the mammary glands due to stagnation of milk. For example, mastitis is possible.

Before visiting the veterinarian, try to help the animal yourself.

• You will need to switch your pet to a lower calorie diet. Reduce the amount of protein foods, eliminate dairy products. If you feed dry food, choose a lower-calorie variety (“Lite”). In consultation with the doctor, decoctions of soothing herbs are given.
• If milk appears, the dog should not be allowed to suck, it is unacceptable to express - the action will become unnecessary stimulation of the mammary glands and increase milk production. If your dog frequently licks nipples and sucks milk, wear an Elizabethan collar or blanket. Try lubricating your nipples camphor oil, alcohol or aloe juice - substances with a strong odor.
• It is necessary to take the animal out for walks more often, increase motor activity. It is necessary to change the regime, the time of walks, rearrange the bowl, change sleeping place, distracting the pet from the experiencing state and creating artificial “unfavorable conditions” that help the false pregnancy pass faster.

In many ways, the treatment of the animal following diagnosis depends on the type of course cancer. So, if the tumor is benign, then the doctor just needs to give the pet anesthesia and then simply remove it. Such operations have a high chance of a successful outcome, and the risk of disease recurrence is zero.

The owner should be aware that no matter what type of cancer their pet has, removing the tumor will still involve about an inch of healthy tissue. And around the entire area of ​​the neoplasm. Surgical interventions In this case, it is customary to differentiate by size, location and number of tumors. Let's look at them in more detail:

1. Lumpectomy - removal of only the tumor with a rim of healthy tissue. After such an operation, the dog can still bear puppies.
2. Simple and regional mastectomy - removal of most of the affected breast.
3. One- and two-sided mastectomy - complete removal mammary glands.

If the doctor determines that the pathology has reached stage 3-4 of development, then the dog is prescribed chemotherapy. With its help, you can somewhat slow down the growth and development of cancer cells. Unfortunately, the disease is last stage, in the presence of formation of distant metastases, is incurable. All that remains is to improve the dog’s quality of life and eliminate the most unpleasant signs of the disease.

There is no cure for false pregnancy; it is not a disease. It is enough to simply take away all the toys from the dog, which in his mind are puppies.

But prevention of false pregnancy should begin in advance. An important measure is diet. It is necessary to reduce the portions by half and feed less often. For example, instead of twice a day, switch the bitch to one meal a day. Remove meat, fat, vegetables from the diet, limit water consumption (then milk will not be produced).

In the process of prevention, physical activity necessarily increases. Long walks will help tire the animal more, tighten the stomach (if it appears), and reduce or stop milk production.

If prevention did not help and a false pregnancy began, in this case acute form, be sure to consult a doctor so that the doctor prescribes hormonal therapy.

Rules of conduct for the owner during false pregnancy:

1. Don't scold the dog;
2. Distract with any activities, games, long walks, active running;
3. Do not destroy the nest - you risk provoking nervousness;
4. Limit food intake, especially protein, reduce the amount of water;
5. Remove items that your dog may mistake for puppies from visible places;
6. Monitor the animal's reaction to lubricating the nipples with camphor to avoid an allergic reaction;
7. Do not pump or massage.

Depending on the cause of mammary swelling in your dog, the following treatments may be used.

1. Surgical – complete removal of the mammary ridge.
2. Antibiotic therapy and painkillers for mastitis.
3. Weaning puppies and using drugs that stop lactation for galactostasis and galactorrhea.
4. Sterilization – for frequent episodes of galactorrhea in a dog.

There is no clear answer to the question of whether owners should intervene. The condition of false pregnancy usually goes away on its own without any consequences, after 2-3 weeks.

To speed up the end of an imaginary pregnancy, you can use the following recommendations:

• - to reduce lactation (milk production), exclude all dairy products from the bitch’s diet;
• - limit water consumption (if you feed your dog dry food, translate it to natural food, because access to water will be temporarily limited);
• - reduce your usual portion of food;
• - exercise the dog physically, force it to move more (this is useful not only for normalizing its physical condition, but also for distracting it from caring for imaginary puppies);
• - do not express the collected milk - this will only stimulate its production;
• - remove all toys, avoid contact of your dog with other puppies.

Usually these measures are enough to ensure that the pseudo-pregnancy ends quickly and without consequences.

In rare cases, more serious intervention is required.

Your dog may need hormonal support (drugs containing progestogen, estrogens, androgens, prolactin antagonists). Homeopathic medicines (for example, ovariovit) have also proven themselves well. But the prescription and treatment must be carried out under the strict supervision of a specialist.

Problems with the mammary glands are also typical for such cases - mastitis (hardening of the mammary glands) may even appear. The dog's nipples should be lubricated with camphor oil (you can make compresses), and to ensure that the dog does not have free access to them, it is worth making abdominal bandages, possibly using an elastic bandage.

If your dog is susceptible to false pregnancy in such severe forms, you should think about sterilizing her. This is the most reliable and effective way prevention of false pregnancy in dogs.

The strategy for qualified care for mammary gland cancer in a dog is largely determined by the type and form of the neoplasm, the stage of development of the pathology, age and general condition pet, involvement of lymphatic tissue in the process, the presence of metastases.

Removal via operation

The radical method of treatment is surgical removal pathological area. Mastectomy has a number of varieties. Only one half of the mammary gland ridge or the entire ridge can be excised.

The operation requires a highly qualified surgeon, professional knowledge of surgical techniques, knowledge of the characteristics of lymphatic drainage and compliance with the rules of antiblastics (preventing cancer cells from entering the surgical wound).

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy in veterinary practice is used as additional method therapy after surgical excision tumors and how self-treatment if the operation is impossible. It is not a 100% panacea; its use is associated with development severe complications from the liver and kidneys, cardiovascular system.

The mammary gland is removed. Often, regional lymph nodes are removed at the same time.

The operation is possible only if there is no chronic pathologies. Otherwise, the four-legged client is considered inoperable.

Chemotherapy

If the disease has developed to stages 3-4, then the dog is prescribed a chemotherapy course. Treatment should be systematic. This allows you to suppress the growth and division of cancer cells.

In some cases, removal of the ovaries is indicated. But there is no evidence of the effectiveness of this method yet.

Drug therapy

If distant metastases are detected, the doctor prescribes palliative therapy. This can significantly improve the pet’s quality of life. To relieve painful symptoms, the following are used:

• painkillers;
• anti-inflammatory drugs;
• antibacterial drugs.

Hormone therapy

Some veterinarians use Tamoxifen. But the effectiveness of hormonal therapy has not yet been thoroughly studied. No detailed studies have been conducted. The final conclusion will be made after additional research.

Disease Prevention

It is possible to prevent false pride. It is recommended to take measures already from the 9th day of estrus: increase physical activity pets, limit calorie intake, protein content, stop giving dairy products.

A common misconception is that if you let a bitch get pregnant and give birth once, the dog will get rid of false pregnancies in the future. The opinion is erroneous; mating and the birth of puppies do not affect the likelihood of such conditions occurring. If you do not plan to use the dog for breeding, reliable way preventing the described phenomena, especially if the disorders are severe - sterilization.

There are no special preventive recommendations to completely avoid the disease. The best solution would be to sterilize the female before her first heat, this will increase her resistance to this disease. In addition, you need to monitor the dog’s diet and hygiene, get vaccinations and deworming on time. Feel your pet's mammary glands frequently to check for tumors. Early diagnosis- This is a half-cured disease.

The owner can prevent severe pathology in a four-legged pet by following the following recommendations from veterinary specialists:

• If the animal is not purchased for breeding and does not represent breed value, the dog should be sterilized at the age of 6 months.
• Do not use hormonal drugs to control sexual behavior.
• Regularly examine the mammary glands to detect lumps.
• Visit once every six months veterinarian when the animal reaches 6 years of age.
• Promptly treat genital diseases in dogs.
• Adhere to the principle of rational nutrition, take more walks with your pet outside the city, and avoid stressful situations.

The best known way to prevent such tumors today is early sterilization of the dog. Moreover, among veterinarians there is a strong belief that sterilization before the first heat reduces the risk of disease by 15%, and before the second heat - by 25%. If the ovaries and uterus are removed later, this does not in any way affect the likelihood of the disease.

Another important thing preventive measure, which owners should not forget about is regular palpation of the animal’s mammary glands. Having discovered a tumor on early stage can significantly facilitate the process of subsequent treatment and increase the chances of a full recovery.

Third important advice- regular preventive examinations by a veterinarian, including ultrasound examination And clinical tests blood and urine.

If you discover a telltale nodule in the mammary gland tissue of your four-legged friend, do not despair. Timely treatment and further attentive attitude to your pet's health will help you not only prolong its life by for many years, but also to make existence bright, rich and fulfilling.

This phenomenon is quite common, and is most typical for females who have not yet given birth and for those who were mated once, and as a result there was no pregnancy. False puppyhood manifests itself in dogs in that the animal behaves as if it is expecting offspring, although in fact this is not the case. In this anxious state the pet needs especially careful care and affection from the owner, and sometimes professional help.

Does your dog have swollen mammary glands? What is the reason? We'll figure it out.

Some time after the estrus, the pet begins to show all the signs of pregnancy, although in reality there is no trace of this.

False pregnancy cannot be considered a disease, anomaly or some kind of pathology. It is associated with hormonal imbalance after estrus. The fact is that in a dog’s body, even if fertilization has not taken place, the same hormones are produced as in pregnant individuals: prolactin increases, and progesterone decreases, which causes all the symptoms of false pregnancy.

Signs of this condition in females are divided into psychological and physiological. The animal’s tummy enlarges and sags, the mammary glands enlarge, the animal begins to build a “nest” from rags, pieces of paper, etc., most often in a quiet corner. At this time, the female demonstrates maternal affection towards various things: toys, shoes, etc. She becomes restless, nervous, inactive, unplayful, and fussy. The animal begins to fawn heavily on its owner, becomes intrusive and too sociable. Shows open aggression towards other females. The pet can sit for a long time in her “nest” with toys (which act as puppies) and very fiercely respond to any attempts to lure her out and take the “children”.

The estrous cycle of dogs has several phases: proestrus - before estrus (eggs are just forming), estrus - coincides with estrus, metaestrus - the end of the sexual “hunt” (regression of the “corpus luteum” occurs if pregnancy does not occur) and anestrus - there is no sexual behavior or shows little.

To do this, the pet’s walking regimen and menu are adjusted, starting from the ninth day until the end of estrus. The volume of drinking and eating is reduced, dairy and meat products are excluded and increased physical activity. These measures significantly reduce or help avoid false pregnancies.

It is precisely because of the “corpus luteum,” or rather its regression, that false pregnancy sets in: the production of the pregnancy hormone, progesterone, begins. Unlike other animals, the “corpus luteum” does not disappear in dogs for another 60 days, despite the absence of actual pregnancy. The female's body receives a "warning" that it needs to prepare for the birth of the cubs. By the time the female is supposed to give birth, the body rapidly produces prolactin, which leads to the appearance of milk. So it turns out that a dog’s mammary glands swell after estrus. Milk may even appear. Plus, there may be a change eating behavior: the animal begins to consume more food and drink or, conversely, refuses food.

In situations where false puppiness is severe, apathy is added to the symptoms described above. In such a situation, you cannot do without professional help. Hormonal therapy is often used for treatment, but this is fraught with serious consequences. side effects, which poses a great danger to the animal!

To prevent this from happening to your pet at all, many veterinarians advise sterilizing dogs; usually this really helps (naturally, in the case when the pet’s “tubes” are not “ligated”, but the reproductive organ is removed).

If the owner does not want to sterilize the animal, then you can try to reduce the manifestations of false pregnancy.

You should not be mistaken and believe that a one-time mating and childbirth will save your pet from the occurrence of false pregnancy in the future. In most cases, this only makes the problem worse. There is no need to drag your feet and torment the animal; it is better to make a decision right away.

The best alternative in such cases is the use of homeopathic medicines, but for each pet we select special means and be sure to discuss such treatment with your veterinarian.

Another problem that can arise due to a false pregnancy is inflammation of the mammary glands. In dogs, milk accumulates in them at this time, which is why mastitis develops. In addition, pyometra may develop in the uterus due to the accumulation of excess mucus ( purulent inflammation) . This disease is very dangerous, the mortality rate in these cases is very high and can only be treated by sterilization. For this reason, you need to immediately decide for yourself whether you plan to breed puppies in the future or not; if not, then it is easier to immediately castrate the animal to avoid possible problems with health!

If a dog experiences a false pregnancy, under no circumstances should it be punished or scolded for odd behavior, because it is not responsible for itself, it’s all about hormones. You should be more lenient and patient.

You should know that if the animal produces milk during this period, it is not expressed. The dog itself should also not be allowed to suck it (in these cases, a veterinary blanket is put on), because the mammary glands in dogs in such cases easily become inflamed. In such a situation, the pet is always carefully monitored, because it is easier to prevent complications than to treat them. Moreover, mastitis in females is not something to joke about.

During such a difficult period for the animal, professional consultation with a veterinarian is necessary.

Such a condition in an animal should not be left to chance, it is fraught dangerous diseases mammary glands and reproductive organs. It is better not to tempt fate and sterilize your pet, especially if mating and the birth of puppies are, in principle, not planned.

Therefore, here are a few facts that - I hope - will help you understand and survive this difficult period.

First heat may appear without any predecessors, be hidden, short and at the wrong time. Do not judge by the first heat how subsequent ones will proceed.
However, if the first heat proceeds fully - for a long time, with discharge, a swollen loop and pestering by inopportune males - I recommend recording it. Note:

1. start date of estrus
2. on what day did the spotting disappear?
3. when the bitch begins to move her tail to the side (they do this if you touch the rump or the hair between the anus and the loop)
4. when the bitch starts to get nervous and rushes to go outside (this doesn’t happen to everyone, but it’s better to be on the lookout)
5. end date of estrus

pp. 2-4 mark the most dangerous period. Usually the appearance of these signs means that in 2-3 days the bitch will be ready for mating. These deadlines are very individual. There are those who mate on the 11th day of estrus. For many, this is days 14-17. My Ellie successfully mated of her own accord from the 21st to the 23rd day of her heat - this is not typical, but this is her physiology.

The bitch usually prepares for a full-fledged heat in advance. Frequent signs of preparation for heat:

1. The dog marks the territory (often pees, sometimes even lifting its paw; it marks other people’s marks).
2. The dog becomes nervous and aggressive, almost indiscriminately, even towards puppies (especially puppies! Be careful!). The reason is that the dog is preparing to become a mother and is clearing the territory for her future children. Eliminates competitors.
Here is a striking example. The other day Ellie met her daughter Sheri. They are actually good friends (in the photo in the header of the post - Sheri, Ellie and Fly). But now both are preparing for heat, so when they met, they raised their mohawks, sniffed on tense paws and growled. And these are best friends, mother and daughter! Then, however, they calmed down and went for a walk together. But if there had been another dog in the friend’s place, they would have fought right away.
3. Often estrus is preceded by molting.

During heat, the bitch is often aggressive to all dogs, except those in whom he sees the potential father of his puppies. And also provokes aggression from other bitches. This is another reason to walk separately.

After the first heat, the bitch develops mammary glands, they swell and thicken. However, there should be no inflammation, no redness, much less milk production - this is a pathology and requires contacting a veterinarian.

And one more entertainment that awaits you after the heat - false pregnancy. It doesn't happen to all dogs. But it's worth knowing about it. And an important point - it happens very often in Basenji bitches. So often that it is better to take measures to prevent “falsehood” immediately after estrus (measures are discussed below). This is another legacy of wild ancestors. Puppies are a great value. If their mother dies, other bitches who do not have puppies will be able to feed the babies.
False pregnancy is the reason why the bitch’s character deteriorates sharply after estrus. Well, naturally - she’s getting ready to give birth, and there are so many enemies in the world! Everyone must at least be driven away from the lair. Former dog friends become competitors for food and territory. And again, in Basenjis, as “uncivilized” dogs, this is expressed very clearly.
1.5-2 months after the end of her heat, the bitch begins to look for a secluded den. For example, my giant schnauzer Gerda tried to crawl under the table or chair. A dog may whine a lot. Another a clear sign- digging. This is when the uterus contracts and the bitch begins to build a nest. Sometimes she sneaks toys there. Cases have been described when a dog began to go crazy over squeaking toys, associating them with the squeaking of puppies. The nipples swell and if you miss the moment, milk will come out. This is already very bad, this is an advanced situation, fraught with mastitis.
There are many drugs that help remove pathological symptoms. But it’s better not to let it come to that. Therefore, if you have a Basenji girl, or if you know your dog is prone to false pregnancy, immediately after the end of the heat, put the dog into the “eat little, work hard” mode. Cut the rations by a quarter and give the dog active, regular exercise. Muscular and mental. In this mode, “false veins” practically do not develop, and the hormonal levels quickly stabilize.