Changes

The clinical condition of overt pseudopregnancy is usually simply called pseudopregnancy, however a '''physiological pseudopregnancy occurs in every non-pregnancy ovarian cycle in bitches'''.  

The clinical condition of overt pseudopregnancy is usually simply called pseudopregnancy, however a '''physiological pseudopregnancy occurs in every non-pregnancy ovarian cycle in bitches'''.  

Because the normal luteal phase of progesterone secretion is so long during the canine oestrus cycle, compared to other species, it has been compared to the abnormally prolonged luteal phases observed in pseudopregnant laboratory rodents.  

Because the normal luteal phase of progesterone secretion is so long during the [[Oestrous Cycle - Dog|canine oestrus cycle]], compared to other species, it has been compared to the abnormally prolonged luteal phases observed in pseudopregnant laboratory rodents.  

In fact, there is '''considerable mammary development''' associated with the luteal phase of every ovarian cycle in dogs but the extent of normal mammary development during metoestrus (dioestrus) varies within and among bitches. It has been suggested that the clinical condition of overt pseudopregnancy actually represents the '''extreme of the physiological changes''' that normally occur during dioestrus (metoestrus). There is a fall in progesterone and an increase in prolactin which leads to the clinical signs.

In fact, there is '''considerable mammary development''' associated with the luteal phase of every ovarian cycle in dogs but the extent of normal mammary development during metoestrus (dioestrus) varies within and among bitches. It has been suggested that the clinical condition of overt pseudopregnancy actually represents the '''extreme of the physiological changes''' that normally occur during dioestrus (metoestrus). There is a fall in progesterone and an increase in prolactin which leads to the clinical signs.

History and clinical signs should be sufficient to diagnose pseudopregnancy in most cases.

History and clinical signs should be sufficient to diagnose pseudopregnancy in most cases.

True pregnancy or pyometra should be ruled out by '''palpation, radiography or ultrasound'''.

True [[pregnancy]] or [[pyometra]] should be ruled out by '''palpation, radiography or ultrasound'''.

Mastitis will be apparent on clinical exam and will apear as inflamed, swollen and painful mammary glands.

[[Mastitis]] will be apparent on clinical exam and will appear as inflamed, swollen and painful mammary glands.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

'''Mild cases''' often need no treatment other that discouraging maternal behaviour. A '''diuretic''' may promote fluid conservation and halt lactation.

'''Mild cases''' often need no treatment other that discouraging maternal behaviour. A '''diuretic''' may promote fluid conservation and halt lactation.

If behavioural signs are present, '''mild sedation''' with non-phenothiazine drugs can be an option. Phenothiazine drugs should not be used as they encourage prolactin release.

If behavioural signs are present, '''mild sedation''' with non-phenothiazine drugs can be an option. [[Phenothiazines|Phenothiazine]] drugs should not be used as they encourage prolactin release.

If the condition is self-limiting, signs will usually disappear within '''1-3''' weeks.

If the condition is self-limiting, signs will usually disappear within '''1-3''' weeks.

The preferred medical method of ending pseudopregnancy is the use of '''prolactin-supressing drugs''' such as the dopamine agonists '''cabergoline''' and bromocriptine.

The preferred medical method of ending pseudopregnancy is the use of '''prolactin-supressing drugs''' such as the dopamine agonists '''cabergoline''' and bromocriptine. Milberone can also be given.

 

Milberone can also be given.

Progesterone, oestrogen or testosterone treatment is not recommended.

Progesterone, oestrogen or testosterone treatment is not recommended.

Gobello, C. (2001) '''Canine Pseudopregnancy: A Review In: Recent Advances in Small Animal Reproduction''' ''IVIS Publication''

Gobello, C. (2001) '''Canine Pseudopregnancy: A Review In: Recent Advances in Small Animal Reproduction''' ''IVIS Publication''

[[Category:To Do - Helen]]

 

[[Category:To Do - Review]]

[[Category:Reproductive Disorders]]

[[Category:Mammary Gland - Pathology]]

[[Category:Reproductive Diseases - Dog]]

[[Category:Expert Review - Small Animal]]