| Ask The Vet -
Q&A |
Question
Can I get reliable temporary contraception for my Yorkie
bitch? She is only 8 months old. I would like her to breed at a
later date but not yet. My problem is that I also have a male dog
and keeping them apart is really difficult.
Natalie Bluck - Rhondda Cynon Taf, UK |
Answering questions:
Susie Samuel MA VetMB MRCVS from
Vet
Help Direct |
| Answer |
Hi
Natalie,
It
is very sensible not to let your bitch breed just yet. The kennel
club will not register puppies unless dams are over one year of
age and it is better to wait until bitches are fully grown before
breeding from them.
You
can stop your bitch coming into heat with drugs called ‘synthetic
prostagens’. There are a few of these on the market, the most
commonly used of which is Delvosteron. Delvosteron is injected by
a vet between heats or just as the bitch is showing the very first
signs of coming into heat.
The
injections can be given as a one off, or as a course to postpone
heats for a longer period of time. If a one off injection is given
the next season will happen on average 6 months after the injection.
You will need to decide with your vet which regime will suit you
and your bitch.
There
are side effects associated with the use of all of the synthetic
prostagens, one of which is ‘endometrial hyperplasia’.
In endometrial hyperplasia the lining of the womb thickens which
can increase the risk of ‘pyometra’ or infection of
the womb, see question 30.
This is quite an uncommon side effect affecting only 0.3% of all
treated dogs so don’t worry too much, but it is wise to keep
an eye out for the signs of pyometra (increased thirst, loss of
appetite, discharge from the vulva). There are a range of other
uncommon side effects including an increase in appetite and fur
changes at the injection site. You and your vet will need to balance
up these risks against the benefits of giving the injection.
Kind regards,
Susie Samuel MA VetMB MRCVS www.vethelpdirect.com
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