Is discharge normal before the bitch comes into heat? And Have you ever seen a bitch come into heat only a couple months after the first one? That can't be normal?

Full Question:

Hi Ed/Cindy,

I have a 10 month old female GSD. Nina was born 2/21/08 and she started her first heat cycle on 10/3/08 (first sign of blood). She just started bleeding again now on 12/12/08 (seeing blood). She's also pretty swollen. She had some discharge prior to this cycle just like back in October. I took her to the vet for the discharge as I didn't know she was going to start her heat a few days later. The vet took a swab and looked at the slide for infection which wasn't present but did say that her cells looked mature. Anyway she started bleeding a few days later. My question is: Is discharge normal before the bitch comes into heat? And Have you ever seen a bitch come into heat only a couple months after the first one? That can't be normal??

Thanks for your time,
Jen

Cindy's Answer:

Whenever I have a female that has irregular cycles I get them in for a thyroid test and send it with a complete history to Dr. Dodds of Hemopet. I would include everything in the history, including vaccines and other treatments your dog has had.

Here is a link that gives detailed information on sending blood in. http://www.itsfortheanimals.com/HEMOPET.HTM there’s a lot of information on the page, along with links to the forms.

I may also suggest a thorough exam from a reproduction specialist if the thyroid test comes back ok. Sometimes females have cystic ovaries or other issues going on that make have irregular or split seasons.

Cindy

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