My 2 1/2 year old Large Munsterlander is having a phantom pregnancy. She is fine (well she is neurotic but that is a LM for you) but she is now producing milk. I will ring her Breeder in a minute, but a) do I need to see the vet? b) is this likely to happen every season - it has never been this bad before. c) Is there any homeopathic remedy I can use.

I have never had anything like this with my Sibes, so am rather unsure.

Thanks for any input

Sarah

I have just posted the same question under phantom pregnancy.I have been told that it's Pulsitilla that u use but am not sure of the strength or dose .so like u I am eargarly awaiting replies
lorraine

30 c.is best four times a day for a week then two twice day untill the milk has dryed up.

Thanks for that, I've started her on them

Sarah

Me too!
lorraine

Keep an eye out for Pyometra in the next few weeks, as bitches who have severe phantoms are more susceptable to Pyo. Symptoms: depression, doesn't want to move/exersise, not eating, but drinking much more than usual, may turn to look at flanks and is obviously unwell, with or without a vaginal discharge. If left untreated will start shaking/twitching and eventually start fitting or collapse. Take to the vet at once if you suspect it, dont wait til the morning. Its a good idea to reduce the protein in her diet, and reduce the amount fed too, til its over to discourage milk production. Lots of exersise so she doesn't geta chance to mope.

Thanks Westie Lover, I always try and keep a close eye on the girls after their seasons, in case of a pyo, I didn't realise that phantoms made them more susceptable.

Sarah

I think I've caught mine quite early she didn't show any signs of a phantom until around what would have been her time to whelp,but I shall definately keep a close eye on her.I don't think one of my other bitches having a litter has helped things ,probably made her broody and started her off,Oh! the joys of breeding!!!!LOL

I've heard that bitches which have phantom pregnancies tend to end up with them after every season, so if you're not meaning to breed it may be worthwhile considering getting her speyed

I have just read this and I am getting concerned about Moose, (vets appointment made)

She had a bad infection a couple of months ago and had another three weeks ago, both times antibiotics were prescribed. She started to produce milk at the weekend. She is in extra snuggley mood but I would n't say depressed.

You mention that a bitch is more likely to develop Pyrometra with a severe phantom pregnancy.

Is a bitch who has suffered from Pyrometra more likely to carry on having infections ? If so I am really considering to get Moose spayed as I do not want to risk her life in anyway is she is likely to have more infections.

Can anybody help with any advice ?

Thanks

Lucy

Lucy
I have a friend with a chocolate lab (just coincidence) and she had all the symptoms you describe, but more severe -like her milk glands were all swollen and sore. The vet recommended getting her spayed which she did and has been fine since. By the way Thistle is being spayed today, I haven't been able to relax all morning, I feel such a meanie. I can phone up at 2pm to see how she is, that's only 40 mins (and counting). Hope Moose is OK. Please let us know how she gets on at the vets.
Jane

Hi Jane

I am sure Thistle is going to be fine. It is always a big worry when they have to go in for anything. I must admit I never wait until they say to ring always before! :D

If Moose has to be spayed then so be it. I just want a healthy happy puppy !

How was you holiday ?

When Thistle is back to fitting fit we must meet up and let the girls meet each other. I will be able to bring Min now as Mars is no longer with us . Min used to stay at home if we were all out to keep her company as I didn't like to leave her on her own.

Let me know how Thistle is.

Lucy
xx

Thistle is home and OK- Very quiet, but did raise a massive tail wag when I collected her. Did a wee when she got home, then was quite sick and has slept soundly ever since. They've done a very neat job on her.
As soon as Moose and Thistle are back to health we'll meet up for a (swimming)dog walk. Was everything OK at the end with Mars ( I hope she had a peaceful end)
My holiday was fine except.......luggage arrived 2 days after me (ryanair)... friend who was coming to collect me had a flat tyre....then the roof box flew off, contents strewn down the road, me running to collect them.....then we got stuck in some gravel and had to get towed out by a landrover... this was interspersed with one child shaking a bottle of milkshake and the lid flew off and another one closing the door on a squeezy bottle of tomato sauce. I can tell you it was like something out of a comedy film!!!!
Love Jane

Hi Jane

Glad Thistle is OK !

Moose is on some medication to stop the milk production. Stuart the vet said apart from that she seems OK. She is not suffering from wanting to nest and she is eating OK.

Mars did go peacefully in the end. Stuart bless him asked how we both were and if we had any problems with Min and Moose since she had gone.

I said to him it was funny because it seems although Min has had a big weight lifted of her shoulders since her mum has gone.I always thought she would really suffer as she has never been seperated from Mars since she was born. I think she always felt although she had to look after her and now she has gone she can live her life again. She is like a different dog. She is even doing more solid poos than sloppy poos so I think the colitis may have something to do with stress. She even last night on a walk disappeared off which is unlike her and appeared five mins later honking to high heaven ! She had found some lovely fox poo and had completed covered herself in it ! Bless just what you want at 11.00pm !!

Your holiday sounded really good fun !! You sound although you need another to get over that one !!

Lucy
xx

Hi Jane

How is Thistle coming along ? Is she back to her normal Labrador self or is she a bit off colour still ?

Lucy