Pit in heat

Question
My pitbull is in heat and she is very swollen.  Is that normal?  How swollen should she get?  Do I need to take her to the vet?

Answer
Hi Paula,

Thank you for writing to me about your pitbull.

The complete heat cycle takes about 6 months, resulting in 2 estrous periods each year. Individual variation occurs, but a given female's pattern tends to be repeated regularly.

The estrous cycle can be divided into 4 stages:

1. Proestrus: This stage begins with the appearance of vaginal bleeding. It normally lasts from 4 to 9 days. Male dogs become very interested in the female; however, she will not yet mate with them.

2. Estrus: This is the stage in which the female will accept the male and conception can occur. The vaginal discharge is more yellowish than bloody. Ordinarily, the stage lasts for 4 to 13 days. Your female will stand still and hold her tail to the side when you touch her back or a male dog tries to mount.

3. and 4. Metestrus and anestrus: These 2 stages are periods of ovarian activity, but with no significant outward signs. False pregnancies frequently occur during metestrus.

Some Important Points

* You should consider your pet to be "in season" for 21 days: 7 days coming into heat, 7 days in heat, 7 days going out. Though conception is most likely during the middle 7 days, Mother Nature doesn't always follow the rules. Confine your pet for the entire 3 weeks.

Remember that the above information is general. Not all females follow these patterns. Consult with your vet if your pet does not seem typical. Sometimes, cycling problems can be an early warning of more serious problems, and the sooner they are dealt with, the better.

Your dog should be checked by your vet to be sure that everything is all right.

Please also be aware that there are millions of unwanted dogs that are killed in shelters every year as there are not enough homes for them.  Every time a puppy is born, another dog faces death in a kill shelter.  It is best to spay your female dog as soon as possible.  Not only will it prevent adding to the overpopulation problem but it will prevent certain deadly cancers.

Best of luck.

Shelley Davis