[GoldenSail]

I really thought my girl was going through a young heat that started last week (one week shy of six months). Her vulva swelled just a little and there was a little bit of red discharge--but never enough that she was actually getting it on anything. I noticed this two Wednesdays ago--and the following Tuesday she slept all day (unusual) followed by the next two days with lots of humping and increased brattiness (barking, play-biting rough). She had some yellow discharge for like two days and really not much anything right now.

I really thought she was young to come in, but google and older posts seem to indicate that they can come into heat at six months--albeit it is much less common. I had a breeder friend look at her today though, and she seemed to think Scout didn't have the really swollen characteristics of a bitch in heat and suggested that she may be having a split season--something this person hasn't experienced and has only heard about.

Thoughts? Experiences? Opinions?

 

[BeauShel]

bumping up

 

[Pointgold]

A "split heat" usually occurs in young bitches who have not yet had their first cycle, who are around other bitches who are in season. This may bring the young bitch in, but it is a weak, "pseudo" heat in which they do not ovulate, and she comes in again within 2 to 4 weeks, and ovulation will occur after the second estrus.

 

[arcane]

just a thought, but could it be a UTI? I have only had one bitch come in as early as 7 months.

 

[Pointgold]

just a thought, but could it be a UTI? I have only had one bitch come in as early as 7 months.

This is always a possibility. The hormonal changes occurring prior to a puppy bitch coming into season can often cause a UTI, or, even simply mimic one even if there is not actually an increase in bacteria.

 

[GoldenSail]

Hmmm, I really did not think UTI because she is not peeing more than normal or drinking a lot......

It has been a few weeks and I am noticing again that her vulva looks red and has been gradually getting darker the last couple of days, and today it is a deep red. I noticed a few weeks ago (and more recently) when I thought she was coming into heat that I could see and feel little bulbs for her nipples (though still not erupted--if that is the right term )

So, maybe it is proving to be a split heat? Her breeder mentioned them as being common (so perhaps common for her lineage) and she is young and it will be a first heat. If it isn't a heat then I need to get her to the vet so let me know what you guys think! Should I hold out for a few days to see if she swells up and start bleeding more?

----

Scout is 6.5 months going on 7 months. I know there are pups from her daddy's side that have gone in at 7 months.

 

[Pointgold]

Sounds like a pretty text book split season.