Last week, we confessed our inability to find a correct place to discuss the condition of ‘false pregnancy’. It was explained that since we were dealing with the macro-topic of ‘infertility’, and since hormonal imbalances often lead to infertility, then ‘false pregnancy’ which is the result of disequilibrium in the production of hormones dealing with female fertility could be discussed in our columns at this point.
Similarly, with the same reasoning, we will deal with the topic of canine nymphomania today.
The term nymphomania is used to describe bitches that present a number of sexually abnormal behaviour symptoms, namely:
● They exhibit increased Libido (sexual activity);
● They are in heat more frequently than normal, and are almost continually pestered by other dogs;
● They roam persistently and show an increased interest mostly in males, but also in other females, and also in their owners;
● Such females exhibit a prolonged first phase (pro-estrus) of the heat cycle – which begins with droplets of blood emanating from the vagina. Some of these bitches would bleed continuously for six weeks or more.
This condition has posed a problem for scientists and pet owners alike. In the case of the former, researchers tend to link nymphomania with follicular cysts within the ovaries. These cysts produce a prolonged secretion of oestrogen. The problem is that follicular cysts are a relatively seldom occurrence in dogs, yet nymphomania is not so rare.
While these cysts are over-producing oestrogen, the eggs within the follicles may not be released. The cycle is stuck in the pro-estrus phase. Any time a bitch is presented to me and her history is that of continuous discharge of blood from the vagina and a continued interest in male dogs, I start thinking of follicular cysts, and I start advising the client to spay the bitch.
Of course, a difficulty would present itself, if the bitch is a valuable breeding female. In that case, hormonal medication might be indicated. Also, the veterinary surgeon could open the abdomen (as if a spay is being performed) and massage/rupture the cystic follicles. Let it be clear, the success of any treatment regime for nymphomania is not guaranteed.
In order to get the nymphomania dog pregnant, you might wish to let the stud dog stay with her for a long period, (at least 3 weeks), since we won’t know exactly when she is going to release her eggs (ovulation).
As I said, there must be in-depth discussions with your veterinarian on the preferred and most practical course of action. Relative to the pet owners, the problem of a bitch rubbing herself on the owner’s family members and guests is also one of social embarrassment.
Owners of nymphomaniac bitches have a further problem for while they may “flag” and present the rear end and signal a willingness to breed, they will almost never permit a male dog to mount.
Some other symptoms of nymphomania, apart from those mentioned above are:
● Extreme nervousness;
● Great irritability: she wants to bite even her owner, she becomes vicious;
● Swollen genitalia (Vulva)
Happy Easter!
Please implement disease preventative measures (vaccinations, routine dewormings, monthly anti-heartworm medication, etc) and adopt-a-pet from the GSPCA’s Animal Clinic and Shelter at Robb Street and Orange Walk, if you have the wherewithal to care well for the animals. Do not stray your unwanted pets, take them to the GSPCA’s Clinic and Shelter instead. If you do not wish your pet to have puppies or kittens, you may exploit the GSPCA’s free spay and neutering programme. If you see anyone being cruel to an animal, or if you need any technical information, please get in touch with the Clinic and Shelter by calling 226-4237.
