Breeding - split heat?

[S1969]

I posted in the fall that I had a stud dog that was being asked about being used for breeding. To make this post shorter - I’ll to jump to the end, the breeding was unsuccessful. The person handling the breeding did not progesterone test, but there were two or three successful ties. Ultrasound at 4 weeks shows no puppies.

Both dogs were being bred for the first time; it’s an unusual situation and I can explain more in a PM if necessary.

Here’s the question - the bitch in question is still at the kennel and another male was obsessed with her a week or two ago to the extent that it required the bitch to get snappy with him. He is an experienced stud and the expectation was that she was pregnant, so they were allowed to be in a yard together.

Is it possible that the bitch had a split heat? Does this sound like how a split heat would present – I am not sure whether the bitch would allow breeding if she didn’t ovulate the first time. Breeder and staff did not notice bleeding recently, or any other signs to suggest that she was in season again…but I know that can vary.

In the end, it’s not a terrible thing that the breeding didn’t work out for a variety of reasons. I am just curious. Both dogs will have further testing - I did not have an opportunity to have a semen analysis on my dog before the breeding but I will before we attempt again, and will freeze semen at that time.

Just curious what the vets/breeders think.

[Marshfield]

When was the original season? Without progesterone testing, no way to be certain the bitch ovulated. Receptivity is estrogen driven and not necessarily closely correlated to fertile period. If it’s a split heat, usually 4 to 6 weeks before back in heat.

[S1969]

Breeding dates were March 15, 16 and I think 18 (I am not positive of the exact dates of the whole cycle but those breeding dates lined up to when they thought the bitch should be ready, and since ties were achieved it seemed normal.) I am not sure when the other male was “interested” in this bitch - it might have only been this past week. I am getting the details 2nd/3rd hand - I don’t think a split heat was what they thought might be going on but there was talk about possible infection and watching for that. I am just curious if it is possible she just came into heat again since I have heard of split heats. If that is a potential, I am wondering if we should try again. Obviously it is also possible that she is simply not pregnant, not in heat, and the other dog was just happy to be turned out with a bitch.

[Marshfield]

Yes, timing would be right for a split heat. Could also be a UTI. Pulling progesterone levels is really where the answer lies

[Houndhill]

Not clear on when the initial unsuccessful breeding took place, doesn’t really matter- could be a fertile heat this time, but you do not know if there is no progesterone test. A UTI can change the pH of the urine so that it is sexually attractive to males.

Only thing to do is an ultrasound at the proper time.

Sorry, I know you had high hopes for this breeding to your male.

[S1969]

Thank you; I am actually not upset for myself. My boy is still a baby and hasn’t set foot in the show ring as a special even once yet…we have plenty of time. The bitch owner/breeder is pretty bummed but I wonder if it isn’t a blessing in disguise because she is recovering from a very serious medical issue and I was worried that whelping a litter would be too much right now.

I guess the u/s report from the vet suggests that the bitch was pregnant and lost or reabsorbed the pregnancy based on uterine fluid and/or shape…not sure why this would happen and/or if there is anything to worry about. The breeder plans to have a full repro eval on her before a future breeding to make sure everything is ok. They are also watching her now for any signs of UTI or anything else.

Fingers crossed there is nothing serious and a fall breeding will be successful. Thanks for your thoughts!

[SonnysMom]

@Houndhill

A UTI can change the pH of the urine so that it is sexually attractive to males.

I know nothing about breeding. But I have had 2 females get UTIs. One spayed and one unspayed. My neutered male lab was very interested in them when they had a UTI. He gets interested when the unspayed one goes into heat too.