7month old in heat

Question
Hi,
I have a 7 month old female Border Collie mix. Im not sure if she is in heat because she wasnt showing any signs of it. However I put her out to bed tonight with my other 3 dogs all males one of which is from the same litter as her.

They weren't out long when she started screeching and crying so I ran out to discover her stuck to my 2 and half year old Border Collie who happens to be her father. I now have her in the house, separated from my 3 boys. Im hoping and praying that she hasnt become pregnant.

I was going to arrange to have her spayed this week but I hope Im not too late. Can I have the pups aborted if she is pregnant. She is so young

Her mother died earlier this year. I had her spayed after she had the puppies, but suffered complications after the procedure. I was worried the same would happen to this little girl so I was putting off having it done, now Im sorry I didnt do it.

Can you tell me if it is possible for a male to mate with a female even if she isnt or doesnt appear to be in heat or did I completely miss it.

Many thanks
Angie
Tipperary Ireland  

Answer
Hi Angie,

Thanks for writing to me.

It does seem that your female was in heat and may have been inpregnated.  I would suggest that you call your vet in the morning and see if they can spay her immediately or if there is a morning after pill?  It would be best for her to be spayed as it prevents certain cancers as well as controls the overpopulation problem.  It would also help to neuter your male for similiar reasons.

I would suggest that you try another vet after your bad experience with spaying and at the very least make sure they do blood work, a chest x-ray and are very careful with the anesthesia.  Try to find out if your vet has a history of losing dogs on the operating table.  Don't be afraid to ask the staff many questions for the safety of your dogs.

Best of luck,
Shelley Davis