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False Pregnancy
by Jeff Grognet, DVM, BSc (Agr) and Louise Janes, BSc(Agr), DVM
False pregnancy, also called pseudopregnancy or pseudocyesis, is more common than most people think. In one report, it occurred in 87 percent of intact bitches two or more times in their lives. Though most symptoms are mild and the condition is largely ignored by dog owners, in some bitches the signs are so severe that treatment is warranted.
False pregnancy is caused by hormone fluctuations – normal hormone fluctuations. It is a consequence of falling progesterone levels and rising prolactin levels during diestrus – the phase of the estrous cycle immediately after a “heat”.
There are no discernable differences between progesterone and prolactin concentrations between pregnant and non-pregnant bitches. For this reason, all barren bitches can be said to have a hormonal false pregnancy. What makes some of these bitches susceptible to a clinical false pregnancy is unclear.
Signs of false pregnancy usually appear 6 to 12 weeks after the heat. The number one sign is mammary gland enlargement, sometimes accompanied by milk production. A consequence of lactation can be mastitis – an infection in the mammary glands.
Many bitches gain weight during their “pregnancy” just as if they were carrying puppies. Behavior can also change. Some start nesting and nursing a “litter” of toys. Some may change personality, appearing nervous, dull, or even aggressive.
A few bitches only suffer from behavior changes in false pregnancy. The diagnosis may need to be made based on the repeated occurrence of behaviour changes after an estrus.
Even spayed bitches can sometimes develop a false pregnancy. This occurs when they have “ovarian remnant syndrome” – a piece of hormonally-active ovarian tissue is present. If a spayed bitch shows a cyclic pattern to certain behaviors, or has overt signs of false pregnancy, this condition should be suspected. It is treated by surgically removing the remnant of tissue.
Because false pregnancy usually resolves spontaneously and does not predispose a bitch to reproductive disease, most dogs do not require treatment. However, if it persists (months or years) or the symptoms are severe, it should be addressed.
Restricting food and water intake and increasing exercise have been used to shorten the time in false pregnancy. Also, sedatives can be utilized to minimize certain undesirable behaviors.
Hormones are the mainstay in treating false pregnancy. The product OvabanR is available for postponement of estrus and alleviation of clinical signs. It must not be used in pregnant dogs. Chronic therapy with OvabanR can be associated with uterine changes and increased susceptibility to pyometra. However, in false pregnancy, it is only given for a short period – eight days.
Estrogen hormones have also been used to reduce the symptoms of false pregnancy, but they have undesirable side effects. These medications are now difficult to obtain. An alternative is Dostinex (cabergoline). It restricts prolaction secretion, is well tolerated and effective, but is expensive.
If you have a bitch that is showing these signs and it’s a month or two after a heat, strongly suspect false pregnancy. If you are unsure and there is a possibility she was bred, have her checked to ensure she isn’t pregnant. The other condition to consider is a pyometra. Ultrasound or x-rays can rule out these diseases.
For more information contact Dr. Jeff Grognet or Dr. Louise Janes at
Mid-Isle Veterinary Hospital,
5-161 Fern Road West,
Qualicum Beach, B.C.
Tel (250) 752-8969
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