Reproductive Disorders of Female Dogs

Many factors can cause a difficult birth (dystocia), including uterine problems, a too-small birth canal, an oversized fetus, or abnormal position of the fetus during birth. Some breeds, such as Boxers, are more likely to have difficult births than others. Dystocia should be considered in any of the following situations: 1) dogs that have a history of dystocia; 2) birth that does not occur within 24 hours of a drop in rectal temperature to less than 100°F (a sign of impending birth); 3) continuous strong contraction for more than 1–2 hours with no birth; 4) active labor for more than 1 to 2 hours without a birth; 5) a resting period during labor that lasts more than 4 to 6 hours; 6) obvious pain or illness in the mother (for example, crying, licking, or biting of the vulva); and 7) abnormal discharge from the vulvar area. Once the cause is identified, the appropriate treatment can be determined. X-rays or ultrasonography can show how many fetuses are present. Medication may help the labor progress if the mother and fetuses are still in stable condition and there is no obstruction. Surgery (cesarean section) is performed if the mother or the fetuses are not stable, there is an obstruction, active labor is prolonged, or medications do not work.

False pregnancy (pseudopregnancy) is common in female dogs. It occurs at the end of the heat cycle and is characterized by weight gain, enlarged abdomen, swelling of the mammary glands, milk production, and behavioral changes. Some dogs behave as if delivery has occurred and “mother” by nesting inanimate objects (such as toys or shoes) and refusing to eat. Your veterinarian will eliminate the possibility of true pregnancy by the medical history, physical examination, and x‑rays or ultrasonography. Treatment is often not recommended because the condition usually ends on its own in 1 to 3 weeks. You should not milk out the mammary glands, because this will only stimulate production of more milk. Treatment can be given to animals that are uncomfortable because of milk production or to those with behavior that is troublesome.

Follicular cysts are fluid-filled structures that develop within the ovary and lead to prolonged secretion of estrogen and continuous signs of estrus (heat) and attractiveness to males. Ovulation may not occur during these abnormal estrous cycles. Follicular cysts should be suspected in any dog showing signs of heat for more than 40 days. The condition is diagnosed through ultrasonography and laboratory tests. The treatment of choice is removal of the ovaries and uterus ("spaying"), which is curative. If the dog is to be bred, administration of drugs that cause ovulation might resolve the condition; however, these dogs must be monitored closely for uterine disease.

Mastitis is inflammation of the mammary gland(s) that occurs in dogs after giving birth. It is caused by a bacterial infection. Risk factors for developing mastitis include poor sanitary conditions, trauma inflicted by offspring, and whole-body infection. Mastitis may involve a single gland or multiple glands. Milk may be normal or abnormal in color or consistency. The affected glands may be hot and painful. If mastitis progresses to a generalized infection, signs of illness such as fever, depression, poor appetite, and lethargy may be seen. The mother may also neglect her puppies. In dogs with longterm inflammation, the only sign may be failure for puppies to thrive. The disease is diagnosed based on the physical examination, the dog’s medical history, and evaluation of the dog's milk. Your veterinarian may test for bacteria to determine which antibiotic to use in cases of infective mastitis. Dogs that are dehydrated or in shock may require intravenous fluids. Warm compresses should be applied to the affected glands 4 to 6 times daily, and the puppies should be encouraged to nurse from these glands. An abscessed mammary gland should be lanced, drained, and treated as an open wound.

At the time of weaning, there may be an abundance of milk and glands that are warm, swollen, and painful to touch, but the dog should remain alert and healthy. Lactation can be diminished by returning to the amount of food and water intake that the dog consumed prior to pregnancy . Warm compresses can be applied, but care should be taken to not stimulate the glands (which stimulates milk production). Appropriate food and water must be provided for the puppies.

Metritis is inflammation of the uterus that occurs after pregnancy. It is usually caused by bacterial infection. Factors such as prolonged or difficult delivery and retained fetuses or placentas may cause metritis. Escherichia coli bacteria are a common cause of infection of the uterus. The primary sign of infection is a pus-like discharge from the vulva. Female dogs with metritis are usually depressed or feverish, have a reduced appetite, and may neglect their offspring. Pups may become restless and cry incessantly. The infection is diagnosed through physical examination, x-rays, ultrasonography, and laboratory tests. Treatment includes administering fluids, supportive care, and antibiotics. Medications can also be given to expel a retained fetus or placenta. Your veterinarian will recommend if and when spaying is appropriate for dogs with metritis.

Ovarian remnant syndrome is caused by ovarian tissue that was left behind when a dog was spayed. This is a complication of the surgery. The most common signs are those of heat (swelling of the vulva, flagging, and standing to be mounted). Laboratory tests are done to confirm the presence of functional ovarian tissue. The ovarian tissue is removed by surgery.

Pyometra is a bacterial infection of the uterus due to hormonal changes in unspayed dogs. It is reported primarily in dogs more than 5 years old, and tends to occur 4 to 6 weeks after estrus. After estrus, the level of progesterone stays high to prepare the uterus for pregnancy by thickening its surface. If pregnancy does not occur for several cycles, the lining inside the uterus continues to thicken and cysts can form within the uterus. These cysts and accumulated uterine fluids provide an ideal environment for bacterial infection. Pyometra can occur due to administration of estrogen- or progesterone-based medications.

The signs are variable and include lethargy, poor appetite, increased thirst and urination, and vomiting. When the cervix is open, a discharge of pus, often containing blood, is present. When the cervix is closed there is no discharge and the large uterus may cause abdominal enlargement. Signs can progress rapidly to shock and death. The infection is diagnosed by physical examination, determination of the nature of the discharge, ultrasonography, x-rays, and laboratory and blood tests.

Removal of the ovaries and uterus ("spaying") is the recommended treatment in most cases. For younger animals that are not seriously ill and that will be bred in the future, antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and prostaglandin can be administered. However, medical treatments carry higher risk in dogs with a closed cervix because the infected uterus may burst. Animals should be re-examined 2 weeks after completion of medical treatment to ensure complete emptying of the discharge from the uterus. Dogs with a history of pyometra should be bred on every heat cycle after treatment, as pyometra will eventually recur. Affected dogs should be spayed as soon as their breeding life is over.

Subinvolution of placental sites is a disorder that occurs after pregnancy as a result of abnormal repair of the lining of the uterus (where the placenta was attached). After giving birth, the uterus slowly returns to its normal size in a process called involution. Normally, a bloody discharge accompanies this process for up to 16 weeks after birth. In some dogs, the discharge lasts much longer. The condition is most common in dogs less than 3 years old after their first litter. There are no signs except for discharge from the uterus that contains blood. Blood loss is usually not severe with this condition. It resolves on its own and usually does not recur. Spaying is curative but it is not necessary unless the bleeding is severe.

In vaginal overgrowth, the vaginal tissue becomes swollen during estrus (heat). The swollen vaginal tissue may be seen through the vulva. This condition is caused by estrogen and is most common in young dogs. The disease is diagnosed through the medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Vaginal overgrowth resolves on its own as soon as the estrogen-producing phase of the cycle is over. However, it usually recurs with every heat. If it is not causing a problem, treatment may not be necessary. Treatment may include daily cleansing of the affected area, prevention of trauma, and antibiotic ointment. An Elizabethan collar (a large funnel-shaped collar that prevents the dog from licking itself) may be necessary to prevent self‑trauma. The condition often interferes with breeding, but these dogs may be bred by artificial insemination. Spaying cures the condition in dogs that will not be bred in the future.

Vaginitis, or inflammation of the vagina, may occur before puberty or in mature dogs. It is especially common in puppies. Vaginitis is primarily due to bacterial infection. Viral infections, vaginal foreign bodies, or cancer may also cause vaginitis. The most common sign is discharge from the vulva. Animals may also lick the vulva. Affected dogs may urinate frequently and attract males, but they otherwise appear healthy. The disease is diagnosed through physical examination, endoscopy, x-rays, ultrasonography, and laboratory tests. Vaginitis in puppies usually resolves on its own when the pup has reached physical maturity. In the case of a persistent infection, antibiotics are administered.

Also see professional content regarding reproductive diseases of female dogs.