Dog Pseudocyesis – False Pregnancy Symptoms and Treatments

Pseudocyesis also known as false pregnancy, spurious pregnancy, feigned pregnancy, imaginary pregnancy, phantom pregnancy and mental pregnancy, show signs and symptoms associated with pregnancy, and can resemble the condition in every way except for the presence of fetuses.

False pregnancy is common in many mammals and is a method of providing milk for the group's offspring—most often cats, dogs, and rabbits.

The symptoms of dog pseudocyesis are similar to the symptoms of true pregnancy and are generally hard to differentiate, some signs and symptoms to look out for are increase in appetite and an enlarge abdomen, and the presence of milk in the mammary glands. The bitch may even whine and refuse to settle, and later on may make a nest and go through mock labor pain!

The causes of this illness are most probably that of hormonal imbalance. If symptoms are mild, treatment is unnecessary as the condition would be able to resolves itself within three weeks. It may be tempting to put warm compresses on the breasts or wrap them to prevent milk leakage causing stains in the house. It is important to remember that any touching of the mammary tissue is what stimulates milk production so it is important to minimize tactile stimulation. If the female is licking herself, she may need an Elizabethan collar to minimize stimulation.

If more serious treatment is needed, a diuretic such as furosemide can be prescribed. Mild dehydration will end the lactation. While some people may want to try water deprivation but this might be dangerous to the bitch and should not be tried without any veterinary guidance and advice.

Medication wise, hormonal medications can be used. Progesterone can be used but after the course of medication, false pregnancy may recurs, therefore this might not be the best choice.

Hormones that inhibit prolactin (the hormone of milk production) are currently the best choices when medications are needed. Bromocryptine can be obtained from a compounding pharmacy and given until lactation ceases (about a week or two) but tends to cause upset stomach. Cabergoline has fewer side effects but is given similarly and tends to be more expensive.

Take note that both these medications will cause abortion if the bitch actually turns out to be pregnant so it is important to be sure and seek veterinary advices before you use it on your dog.

For your information, It is best to wait until the false pregnancy is over and then proceed to spay your bitch. Spaying will remove the ovaries and the corpora lutea in order to prevent future episodes.

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