A Case of Pseudopregnancy in a Bitch
C. S. Ukwueze *
Department of Veterinary Medicine, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria.
K. A. Raheem
Department of Theriogenology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
A case of pseudopregnacy was presented to Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Nigeria. Eighteen (18) months old bitch weighing 15kg was presentedclinical signs suspected to be pseudopregnacy, which was observed four weeks after the bitch came on heat (estrus). The clinical signs observed were restlessness, anorexia, aggression, nesting behaviour and licking of mammary gland. On clinical examination it was observed that bitch had enlarged mammary glands and milk secretion. The physiological parameters were found to be within the normal range. Abdominal palpation, ultrasonography and vagina cytology were carried out to confirm pregnancy. Due to absence of foetuses on abdominal palpation and ultrasonography and presence of scanty epithelial cells in vaginal cytology, it was confirmed and concluded to be a case of pseudopregnancy. Causes, treatment and other associated factors with pseudopregnancy were further discussed.
Keywords: Pseudopregnancy, ultrasonography, vagina cytology, estrus, bitch.