False
Pregnancy
A phantom pregnancy is when a female imagines and goes through all the
symptoms of believing she is pregnant. Most female Westie's go through some kind of behaviour such as this at
some point in their life. It is usually more common in inbred (or maiden)
bitches. This behaviour should not be encouraged, however, since it may
develop into further, more disturbing, symptoms. Female Westie's who undergo phantom pregnancies 'think' that they are
pregnant and will seek a nesting place.
They may well develop swollen breasts and may even produce milk. If your dog
begins to believe that the toys are her puppies, she may begin to develop
these symptoms. Milk production is a problem, since as she will not be
relieved of the milk, problems may develop.
A phantom pregnancy is not to be considered a neurotic tendency, but
should be considered as normal behaviour due to an abnormality of the
ovaries. I have heard that Dorwest Raspberry Leaf tablets (herbal
medicine) is effective in the prevention of pseudo-pregnancies.
It should be given at a dosage rate of 1 tablet per 10kgs bodyweight
twice daily from the first sign of the female coming into season. This dose
should be continued for twelve weeks as a preventative measure.
It may be advisable to seek veterinary advice regarding the problem if it
continues.
Mating
Contents Birth
Preparation
Membranes Birth Problems
Inflammation Welfare
Reproductive
Unexpected Whelping Chart
Heat False
Mating Problems |
