Pseudogravidity in the Female Dog

A condition known as false pregnancy or pseudopregnancy characterises a normal course of the luteal phase of the reproductive cycle in non-pregnant bitches with abnormal external signs mimicking pregnancy and parturition. The cause of pseudopregnancy is probably an increased sensitivity of some bitches to normal internal hormonal changes during the luteal phase of the reproductive cycle. Above all it is an abnormal reaction of the organism to increased progesterone or prolactin levels. Pathophysiology of emergence of external signs of a pseudopregnancy has not yet been fully clarified. Onset of clinical signs of a pseudopregnancy (especially on mammary glands) is linked to a reduction in progesterone levels and increased prolactin concentration in peripheral blood. Non-pregnant bitches exhibit variously intense signs of pregnancy and parturition in 2 - 8-week intervals after typical oestrus. The intensity of signs can vary from slight swelling of mammary glands with mild milk secretion to general signs of pregnancy, such as increased appetite, changes in appetite, abdominal volume enlargement, preparation of nests for the young. General signs may culminate in an imitation of parturition. Therapy is not required in cases when the bitch shows less severe signs because a pseudopregnancy is not a real disorder of the reproductive cycle and it by itself does not reduce fertility of the bitch. An appropriate course of treatment for bitches showing a strong secretion of milk from mammary glands should be consulted with a veterinarian and the occurrence of mastitis, inflammation of the uterus and other diseases should be prevented