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832 Pseudocyesis

bitches because they can potentiate pseudo-
cyesis behavior.
VetBooks.ir Possible Complications
• Mammary dermatitis is the most frequent
complication and may have an influence in
perpetuating the problem.
• Repeated episodes of pseudocyesis have been
hypothetically associated with the future
development of mammary tumors.
Recommended Monitoring
Follow cases until complete resolution. If
pseudocyesis does not resolve spontaneously,
look for predisposing causes (see Risk Factors
PSEUDOCYESIS Enlargement of mammary glands in a 3-year-old bitch suffering from clinical pseudocyesis.
above).
PROGNOSIS & OUTCOME
Etiology and Pathophysiology consists of the administration of antiprolactinic
• Associated with a high plasma concentration drugs (dopamine agonists or anti-serotonergic Pseudocyesis typically resolves spontaneously
of prolactin at the end of the luteal phase, compounds). within 2 or 3 weeks from its onset but can
when progesterone concentrations decrease occasionally persist until the next estrous cycle.
abruptly Acute General Treatment
○ Pseudocyesis is maintained when owners • Administer dopamine agonists with food PEARLS & CONSIDERATIONS
relieve galactostasis by milking or when the to reduce digestive side effects. Cabergoline
bitch excessively licks the mammary glands 5 mcg/kg PO q 24h for 5-7 days is a safer Comments
and elicits milk letdown (self-milking). choice compared with other antiprolactinic • Pseudocyesis is a good indicator of ovulatory
• Individual and breed sensitivity to these drugs. estrous cycles.
hormonal changes and environmental factors • Avoid steroid hormones (progestins/ • Predisposed bitches usually suffer the
may influence its occurrence. androgens) because they usually postpone syndrome after each estrous cycle, and the
the problem. disorder becomes more severe throughout
DIAGNOSIS • Treat local dermatitis (p. 851). life.
Diagnostic Overview Chronic Treatment Prevention
The diagnosis is suspected in any diestrous, Clinical chronic, unresponsive, or recurring • Ovariectomy in predisposed bitches
nonpregnant bitch with mammary enlargement pseudocyesis cases should be treated surgi- • Pregnancy does not prevent future episodes.
(and milk secretion) in which other mammary cally (ovariectomy) after the acute phase of
disease has been ruled out. Diagnostic imaging the syndrome has been controlled and during Technician Tips
confirms absence of pregnancy if necessary. anestrus. • Avoid stimulation of the mammary glands
(e.g., hot or cold packing, touching, or
Differential Diagnosis Nutrition/Diet milking).
• Pregnancy One study reported that short-term (7 days) • If necessary, Elizabethan collars can be used
• Pyometra partial food restriction (30%-50% of mainte- for preventing licking and self-milking.
• Mastitis nance) did not cure pseudocyesis, but it did
• Mammary tumors hasten resolution of clinical signs. Client Education
• Any other cause of anorexia, depression, or Teach clients to recognize pseudocyesis and ask
anxiety should be ruled out. Behavior/Exercise for treatment if it becomes clinically relevant.
• Pseudocyesis can coexist with pyometra, • Discourage maternal behavior using aversion
mastitis, and mammary tumors. methods. SUGGESTED READING
• Avoid stimulation of the mammary glands Gobello C, et al: A review of canine pseudocyesis.
Initial Database (e.g., hot or cold packing, touching, or Reprod Domest Anim 36(6):283-288, 2001.
CBC results are unremarkable. milking).
• If necessary, Elizabethan collars can be used AUTHOR: Cristina Gobello, MV, DMV, DECAR
Advanced or Confirmatory Testing for preventing licking and self-milking. EDITOR: Michelle A. Kutzler, DVM, PhD, DACT
Ultrasonographic or radiographic confirmation
of the absence of pregnancy or pyometra Drug Interactions
• Avoid administering phenothiazine drugs and
TREATMENT metoclopramide during pseudocyesis because
they increase plasma prolactin concentrations.
Treatment Overview • Do not administer antiserotonergic drugs
Treatment is not necessary in mildly affected (e.g., metergoline) for anxious and restless
bitch. When appropriate, treatment mainly

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