Recently I've been thinking about having my 18 month old Goldie spayed - she is just having her 2nd season, but since her 1st season at 9 months she's become nervous/aggressive with other dogs - particularly whilst on the lead. I've spoken to the vet who says it could be that she's had a prolonged phantom pregnancy.
I'd prefer not to have to have it done - I did show her and would like to again - but it just got too stressful for both of us.

Ideally, I would love to show her again - but only if she was happy doing so. I ahve no intention of breeding from her (Believe me - the world does not need another 7 Tess's :D). I know I could still show her after spaying with the KC's kind permission of course! - but Golden's coats are ruined by spaying so it would be pointless.

Any advice/comments re spaying and possible phantom pregnancy would be appreciated.

Paula

Paula is this the first time she has had a phantom if so may be she will go sometime before having another. I have a bitch that would have a phantom every third or fourth season but be OK on the others. It is a problem because it is natural for a bitch to have a phantom and in the wild dogs that have milk will nurse pups of other bitches so although to us it is a problem it is natural to the dog. You are right about showing though it is more than possible that her coat will go and she will put on weight, and you will be fortunatly if those are the only problems you have. None of that is of any help I know, but I think I would let her go another couple of seasons before making a decision. Jackie H

Hi Paula,

Reduce your bitches food - by around half! I realise this sounds drastic but the idea behind is it that if there is not enough food around to feed a litter when she is in season then she is much less likely to have a phantom. Keep it low for at least 4 weeks. She will lose weight and probably start to scavenge so you will need to keep fridge and cupboard doors shut but it should prevent the phantom.

My male is currently somewhat thin as he has been on reduced rations for just over four weeks (self imposed) while my bitches are coming into season one after the other. He eats about half a meal (instead of two full meals a day) around every other day. He still has all his muscle which is now very well defined but I don't think there are more that a few ounces of spare fat on his body. Hopefully the last bitch is just finishing so he will start eating again.

This is only my opinion.

Christine

Thanks for the advice - I think I'll reduce her food and see what happens. I'm reluctant to have her spayed as you might have guessed, so will wait a while before deciding. I' let you know how we get on :D

Paula

I'm sure i have heard that homeopathic remedies may help phantoms - i'm no expert here but may be someone else will be able to suggest a remedy.

Lindsay

Thanks Lindsay,

I'm going to Manchester Champ Show on Sunday- there are usually some complementary therapy stalls there, I'll have a look.

Anyone else going?

Paula