False pregnancy and milk secretion from the mammary glands

False pregnancy occurs in mammals of all species. Dogs (especially small breeds) suffer from this disorder much more often than cats. Until very recently, there was no therapy in this case, owners simply tried to divert the pet's attention to something else. Modern veterinary medicine offers more effective ways to stabilise the animal's condition.

What is false pregnancy in dogs and cats, its causes

False pregnancy in cats and dogs occurs due to excessive synthesis of progesterone - a hormone responsible for carrying, embryonic development of the individual. With a hormonal failure, all the signs of pregnancy are manifested, but the fetuses themselves are absent.

The causes of the violation are different. Among them:

- uterine or ovarian neoplasms;

- cysts;

- inflammation;

- mating with a male with reproductive failure;

- resorption of embryos before 4 weeks of gestation. Litter mortality may be due to incompatibility of partners, changes in the diet or housing of the female;

- diseases of the endocrine system.

False pregnancy is sometimes provoked by strong, prolonged stress, caused, for example, by moving, change of owner, new pet in the house.

Symptoms and methods of diagnosis

The symptoms of false pregnancy are many. The most common and noticeable of them are:
- enlargement of the abdomen;

- ointmental discharge from the loop;

- nausea, vomiting;

- swelling of the mammary glands;

- nipple discharge (from transparent droplets to copious milk formation in severe cases);

- changes in behaviour, uncharacteristic for the individual affection, or desire for privacy, aggressiveness;

- changes in appetite in one direction or another (complete refusal of food is possible);

- constant thirst;

- stiffness in movement.

A frequent manifestation of false pregnancy is "nesting". The bitch chooses a secluded corner, packs there a cot, blankets, other things.

Attention: when the pet is really pregnant, she begins to "nest" a few days before the birth of offspring. In a false state, she does it from the moment of the first signs until the hormonal background stabilises.

As labour deceptively approaches, the female becomes restless, refuses to go for walks, whimpers, breathes heavily. Subsequently, the dog may begin to nurse a soft toy, protect it.

Self-determination of false pregnancy is quite difficult for the owner. It is necessary to go to a veterinary clinic, conduct a pet examination. First of all, the bitch will appoint an ultrasound to exclude the presence of foetuses. It will also require blood tests (general, biochemical, "for hormones"), examination of the vaginal smear.

How dangerous is such a condition

In itself, false pregnancy does not pose a danger to the health of the dog, but on its background, severe complications develop.

Among them:

- mastitis - inflammation of the mammary glands due to stagnation of milk in them. The main symptoms of pathology: redness, nipple thickening, fever, lethargy;

- endometritis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the uterus);

- pyometra - an inflammatory process in the uterus with an accumulation of pus. Conservative therapy for this disease is acceptable only in the early stages, usually requires surgical removal of reproductive organs;

- tumours of the mammary glands, ovaries, uterus.

False pregnancy is capable of provoking serious mental abnormalities. Even a small cat can be so fiercely protective of an object it mistakes for a cub, so fiercely that it begins to pose a threat to family members, other pets.

Prevention of false pregnancy and symptom management in pets

The most reliable prevention of false pregnancy is the timely sterilisation of a cat or dog. Veterinarians recommend this practically harmless operation to all individuals not involved in breeding. When false pregnancies are often repeated, it is better to castrate even a bitch of breeding value. This will help to prevent the development of complications.

If a false pregnancy has already occurred, the owner can alleviate the condition of the pet. To do this, it is necessary to:

- reduce the daily rate of food intake, completely exclude dairy products;

- play and walk more with the female, increase physical activity;

- prevent sucking of the nipples by yourself or other pets. It is possible to use a poncho;

- prevent "nesting", "adoption" of objects. It is better to hide these items temporarily.

Attention: it is forbidden to decant the colostrum or apply hot compresses to the teats!

To alleviate the animal's condition, it may be necessary to administer pharmaceuticals:

- sedatives;

- hormonal;

- vitamin and mineral complexes;

- antibiotics (if complications develop).

Effectively eliminates the signs of false pregnancy, stops lactation non-hormonal solution for oral use Lacto-stop from the company Apicenna. The drug is also prescribed for the prevention of mastitis in early weaning of puppies or kittens, hormonal disorders of various nature. Lacto-Stop will gently and safely relieve the symptoms of false pregnancy.

If a dog or cat shows signs of false pregnancy, it is necessary to visit a veterinarian as soon as possible. It is much quicker and safer to correct the situation in the early stages than to treat complications.