I have a 5 year old BC bitch who had her first litter of 6 puppies when she was 3. Up to that point she had no problems with her seasons (every 6 months or so) and I had no problem mating her. A year later I decided to have another litter from her to a different stud dog. I mated her on day 12 and everything seemed fine but unfortunately the mating didn't take. Both dog and bitch had 1 previous litter each so I agreed with the owner of the stud dog that I would wait 12 months and try again.

After her missed mating she had a normal season in March 2003 and I was waiting for her next season in September. In July our other bitch came in season and then suddenly in August our 2 entire dogs were after the bitch that had missed. I checked her and there was no discharge but she was swollen and I was told that it looked as if she was having a silent season. She wasn't particularly responsive to any dogs but I did mate her on the day that my stud was manic to get to her. She didn't conceive.

In Dec 2003 our puppy came into season aged 11 months. Again the 2 entire dogs were trying to get to the bitch that had missed. She looked as if she was having yet another silent season, and it appears that the other bitches coming into season are having this affect on her. I took her to the vet this time but they couldn't suggest much - just gave her a course of antibiotics in case she had an infection (she shows no sign of an infection and her temperature is normal).

Does anyone have any suggestions of tests / treatments that might get her back on track, or should I just bite the bullet and have her spade? I would like to have 1 further litter from her as the pups from her first litter have low (8 or under) hip scores and show good working ability.

Thanks, Karen

It sounds like my friend's bitch, who it was discovered had a hormone imbalance. She was referred to a specialist such as Gary England.

Just an update on this. I decided to mate my bitch on her 'silent' season in Jan and 10 days ago she whelped 5 healthy bitch puppies. I am over the moon and I hope that her seasons might get back on track after this litter.

Karen

such good news hope mum and pups do well,
keep us informed,my jrt is due in 3 weeks,im so excited and looking forward to it
good luck
mandy