Hi,

I have 2 dogs, both un-neutered, a bitch (age 4) and a dog (age 5). My bitch came into season last month and I was watching her closely as previously she has come back into season almost immediately afterwards, however have seen NO signs of this happening. On Sunday I caught my pair in the garden, and what appeared to be the tail end of a slip mating (male very swollen for 10 - 20 mins afterwards). I have since seperated them, presuming she is in season (as she was standing for the male). (Is it possible for a bitch who normally shows lots of obvious signs she is in season to come into season with no signs?)

I have spoken to many people, (except my breeder who seems to be away!) and got some excellent advice, and have a scan booked for her 28th day. I have done lots of reading online, and ordered some books to be prepared in case she is pregnant. (I have never bred dogs before). I understand that a pregnancy can be achieved from a slip mating, so am working on the fact that she is pregnant (and half praying that she isn't). I have plans made for her feeding to change later on, and plans for a whelping box should the scan show she is pregnant. I have also been advised on the things I will need to be equipped with closer to whelping.

I had previously spoken to my breeder about breeding from my bitch later next year (although not necessarily with my male) although I was planning on having her heart tested first (which obviously I have not done as this was unplanned, however she has been hip and elbow scored). I feel terrible and irresponsible for this happening unplanned.

I now feel rather helpless (why has no-one developed a pregnancy test for dogs that can be done in the first week?!!) and unsure of what to do now other than get as prepared as possible. Can anybody give me any advice please?

If you don't want a litter from her yet it would be responsible to take her to the vet for two Alizin injections which will terminate any pregnancy.

I hadn't considered this as we are only a few months away from when I was probably going to breed her anyway, plus people I have spoken to have advised against this. However if people feel this is the reposnible route maybe I should consider it?

As you may be able to tell I am in a bit of a flap! (Although also slightly excited!)

I don't know what breed she is but if heart-testing is a requirement and she hasn't been tested yet, then a litter right now wouldn't really be very sensible. You say that she's been hip- and elbow-scored (acceptable results obviously!) but you don't mention what tests the dog's had done. And are eye-tests a factor in your breed?

OK, she is elbows 0, hips 5, he has hips 8 (breed average 25 I think). The requirement (I believe) is hips and heart with cystinuria recommended.

My apologies for the question I am about to ask (I know I will be told off) however could I get these required heart tests done now and see results before making a decision on the pregnancy? My gut feeling is that I do not want to terminate unless necessary.

A sensible question. :) Alizin can be used up to 45 days into pregnancy, so if you were quick I'm sure you could get the heart tests (both dog and bitch) done in time.

Thanks. I have just spoken to a friend of my breeder who has advised me the same. She says we only need to have them listened to, and further tests if there appears to be any problems (in which case to terminate). (My male had his heart listened to about a month ago with no probs).
Anyway have been advised to continue with the pregnancy as is a good breeding as both have excellent pedigrees and are good examples of the breed, and are in good health, with excellent temprements.
Now have ordered many many books to read, and have to wait inexpectation of the scan - any advice on good books / resources / equipment required would be helpful.

Still unsure why I did not see any sign she was in season - is this normal?

Have you homes lined up for puppies?  As I'm sure you are aware the breed can have large litters and finding suitable homes for what is a somewhat specialised breed is not always easy. Are you a member of any of the breed clubs as they may be able to assist in passing puppy enquiries your way (as long as you fulfil the health testing criteria, of course).

Can someone please clarify that a heart test is not just a vet who listens to the dogs heart and if they think there is no problems then its ok, I always thougth tht it was a specialist like the eyes.

Yes it should be a Veterinary cardiologist.

Hi again people.

I think the cardiologist is recommended - am awaiting a recommended list. Unfortunately we cannot have my bitch done this way if she is pregnant, however have been advised that a customary examination should pick up any abnomalities. We can have my dog done this way though (obviously).

Secondly, i'm aware of the re-homing problem, especially in speciality breeds. I'm going to do my utmost best to find excellent 'forever' homes for the pups, and always be available for advice, help and for the dogs to come back should they ever need to. (I have an excellent example of this through my breeder). Outside of this I am unsure what else I can do to however I understand these pups are my responsibility and will do everything in my power to make sure I find good homes, otherwise they will be staying with me. Obviously this situation isn't ideal however i'm aware of all of the pros and cons, and have thought about this backwards and forwards for 7 days to try and come to the best solution possible. Like I have said before I am 50% excited as I have wanted a pup from my bitch for over a year, and 50% disappointed at the situation and not being fully planned in advance.

Further to this - my bitch (7 days after suspected mating) has a clear, thick ish, non smelly discharge. I have never seen this after her seasons previously - is this normal?

It's a good sign of a pregnancy, my bitch developed it about 2 or 3 weeks in.

not the best situation but you've time to study up etc. on everything. accidents happen with matings and your dealing with the result. my parents mated our bitch a year and half ago and i was there for the first few weeks to help with the pups. its exciting and exhausting and terrifying but easily the best experience of my life, there is nothing like delivery a little creature into the world :D. hope you've lots of help available and wish you luck with it.