[PastorWife]

I have a 9-month old female and a 7-month old male Basset. Maggie has just had her first heat, lasting nearly three weeks. We have been VERY diligent to prevent breeding at this young age, and have every reason to believe we have been successful. Brutus has not been interested in Maggie for about three days, she had not had any discharge for about 10 days or so. Yesterday--after the three-day lull in mating attempts--her kennel linens were definitely blood-stained, and now she is aggressively and relentlessly attempting to mount Brutus (head or rear end, she really doesn't care). He is definitely NOT INTERESTED, and gets very frustrated with this behavior, resulting in two nipping, snarling dogs. What is this?? Is this something to be expected, or do we need to consult our vet at this point??

 

[Barbara Winters]

I would consult with my veterinarian if Maggie were my bitch. I also would talk with Maggie's breeder. Sounds like she had a normal season and now for some reason has vaginal bleeding. It doesn't sound to me that Maggie had "split estrus" but then I'm not a breeder.

Split heat is defined clinically as the situation of a bitch that goes into estrus, does not ovulate, and is again in estrus within two to four weeks; it is most common in pubertal bitches. Often, ovulation will occur after the second estrus.

If you checked her progesterone level you could tell if she ovulated or not. However I'd just want assurance from my vet that there's nothing abnormal going on such as an infection, and would probably forgo the expense of progesterone and other testing as she wouldn't be old enough to breed for at least 2 more seasons.

I'm sure others will be able to provide you with a better idea of what's going on.

 

[Soundtrack]

I would have her checked for infection, to be safe. The first sign I had of Sally's pyometra was spotting after her season. Pyometra is deadly if not treated.