Pseudopregnancy (false pregnancy, pseudocyesis) is a syndrome in which a non-pregnant intact bitch shows signs of pregnancy, impending whelping or lactation at the end of the luteal phase: mammary enlargement, milk, nesting and mothering of objects. It is common in dogs and uncommon in cats. It matters because it has to be told apart from real pregnancy, pyometra and mastitis, and because the wrong steps (milking out the glands, giving acepromazine, or spaying at the wrong time) make it worse.
Key facts
Pseudopregnancy at a glance- Species and system: dog (intact or recently spayed bitch); reproductive system and mammary gland.
- Cause: the normal fall in progesterone at the end of diestrus, with a rise in prolactin. Every non-pregnant bitch goes through the same hormonal changes; only some show signs (overt pseudopregnancy).
- Timing: signs usually appear about 6 to 8 weeks after estrus.
- Classic presentation: a healthy bitch, not bred or bred without conceiving, that nests, guards a toy, has enlarged glands and milk 6 to 8 weeks after her heat.
- Diagnosis: clinical. Hormone assays do not separate it from a normal cycle or from pregnancy.
- Treatment: usually none. For marked signs, cabergoline 5 mcg/kg PO once daily for 5 to 10 days.
- Zoonotic or reportable: no.
What's inside
12 sections in the full guide- Key facts
- How the NAVLE tests this
- Cause and pathophysiology
- Clinical signs
- Diagnosis
- Differential diagnoses
- Treatment and management
- Prevention, control and public health
- Prognosis
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
The full guide also has 5 tables, 2 figures, 3 self-test questions and 15 references, available to NAVLE members.
Read the full study guide
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