Min Pin in heat/pregnant?

Question
Hi,

Last December, I rescued a little min pin female (2 mo.) from Mississippi. After a month or 2, it was obvious she wanted a playmate and since I've never had only one dog at a time, I found a 5 month old min pin male to adopt.

Obviously, having a male and female, I promptly had the male neutered in March when he was 6 months (as the vet recommended) since I've never breed dogs, and have no intention to start with these two.

However, here is my question: Around 3 weeks ago, the little girl went into heat. Although she will definitely be spayed in the very near future, I haven't been in a rush as they are inside dogs - her and the neutered male - except when I take them for walks (on the leash at all times).

Two weeks ago, however, I found them in the process of mating... I had no idea it was possible for neutered males to do this! The next morning, I immediately called the vet, who is part of a reputable practice, and she told me that I had nothing to worry about.

My concern is that the little girl's nipples have gone from barely visible to practically sagging over night. A pad of tissue about the size of a quarter (She's only 7lbs)has developed underneath each of her nipples, and instead of shrinking as I would think they should do if she was only in heat, it seems like they're getting bigger.

I know that she is way too young, so I'm hoping I'm over reacting. Do you know any definite signs for determining if a dog is pregnant?

Answer
Enlarging nipples would be one sign of pregnancy, but all symptoms of pregnancy can be mimicked by bitches going through false pregnancies.

Yes, neutered males can still breed; they just "shoot blanks" after neutering. In some cases, however, it does take a few weeks for all sperm residing in the male's reproductive tract to die off after neutering, so there is a slight chance that your bitch could indeed be pregnant. Chances are that she isn't, but your vet should be able to tell you for sure one way or the other by palpation or ultrasound.

Karen