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Do Dogs Have Periods? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

You may be familiar with the fact that female dogs are “on heat” or “in season” around twice a year, and during this time they will bleed from their vulva. But is this the same as having a period? You might be surprised to learn that the answer is no.

Dogs do not have periods the same way humans do—their cycle works a bit differently. They have a cycle known as estrus, which usually occurs every 6  months, although some breeds only have one heat cycle per year. During this heat cycle, dogs will experience hormonal changes that make them ready to mate, and this is when they experience a swollen vulva and bloody discharge.

This is not the same as menstruation. In humans, the uterus builds up a thickened lining in preparation for a potential pregnancy, over approximately 21 days. Following ovulation, if no pregnancy has occurred, this uterine lining breaks down and is expelled over a period of 3-5 days.

During canine estrus, blood flow and mucus production in the vaginal walls increases, and this is where the discharge comes from. Hormonal fluctuations may make some dogs more affectionate or more irritable during this time. Estrus is the time when they are most fertile, so they must be kept away from entire male dogs to avoid any unwanted litters. Estrus lasts, on average, around 7-9 days, but can be as short as 4-5 days, or as long as 14-21 days!

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How Long Do Female Dogs Bleed for?

Female dogs start to bleed towards the end of the first stage of their season, called proestrus. This lasts about 9 days on average, but it depends largely on the dog. Some dogs will have longer “bleeds,” while others will have shorter ones.

This bleeding can vary in amount and color, from heavy to light. Usually, the bleeding isn’t serious, though you may need to have your dog wear a diaper or enclose her in one portion of the house to prevent messes. Dogs may continue to have very light discharge after these 9 days. In total, the whole heat cycle lasts about 3 weeks, but, dogs will not usually bleed this whole time.

Dog sniffing dog in heat
Image Credit: atiger, Shutterstock

Why Do Female Dogs Bleed in Heat?

Female dogs bleed in heat due to hormonal changes that increase the blood flow to their reproductive organs. This bleeding isn’t caused by the shedding of the uterine lining like it is in humans. Instead, the increased blood flow leads to a bloody discharge.

The bleeding varies in color and amount. It may be bright red or pink. It can be light to heavy, and usually changes over the course of the cycle. As proestrus transitions into estrus, the female dog becomes receptive to mating, and the discharge usually becomes thinner and less bloody, which is when ovulation occurs.

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Do Dogs Still Bleed After Being Spayed?

Dogs no longer experience a reproductive cycle after being spayed, so they no longer bleed (or have any other symptoms). However, they may bleed a little bit directly after being spayed due to the blood left over from the surgery as it takes time for this blood to exit the body. This kind of bleeding should be minimal, though. It may last for only a few days and shouldn’t occur again.

In rare cases, dogs may get ovarian remnant syndrome. If there is any ovarian tissue left behind after being spayed, the dog may still have enough hormone production to have a heat cycle. This sort of bleeding will follow the same pattern as their normal heat cycle. In most cases of ovarian remnant syndrome, however, enough of the internal structure has been removed during surgery that there are often only external signs such as vulval swelling, and bleeding is either minimal or absent. However, if only the ovaries were removed, as is usually the case in laparoscopic spay surgery, they will not only have normal bleeding, but they may even be able to become pregnant if enough ovarian tissue remains.

If your dog ends up with this condition, they may require further surgery to remove the ovarian tissue. If your dog still has a heat cycle after being spayed, you should contact your vet as this is not normal.

Dog Spaying
Image Credit: Kyla Metzker, Shutterstock

Do Dogs Notice Human Periods?

Dogs have a very keen sense of smell and can detect many scents and pheromones. Therefore, dogs can likely notice when a human is menstruating. However, we cannot know with certainty if dogs can truly detect periods, or how they may interpret them.

Dogs may react differently to the scent; some may not seem to notice it at all, while others may make a big deal out of it. Temperament differences and socialization likely play a role, and whether they are entire or spayed/neutered may also factor into their reactions. Some dogs may become very attentive or protective, others may avoid the person or even show increased signs of aggression. Some dogs may seem agitated by the scent or overly anxious.

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When Do Dogs Have Their First Heat?

Dogs get their first heat when they reach sexual maturity, which will depend on breed and size; small dogs tend to have their first season at the age of 6-7 months, while large or giant breeds may not have their first season until they are around 18 months old.

The first heat is exactly like all others, although some individuals may show more subtle external signs. Dogs can get pregnant during their first season, however, it isn’t recommended. Most dogs reach sexual maturity before they are fully grown, so it’s vital that you keep your female away from male dogs during this time

female goldendoodle puppy
Image Credit: cine-nomadic, Shutterstock

What About Spaying?

It is typically recommended that you spay your dog after her first heat. There is absolutely no evidence that dogs need to have a litter of puppies for health or socialization purposes, but there is strong evidence to show that spaying before their second season significantly reduces the risk of mammary cell tumors, and completely eliminates the risk of uterine infection (pyometra).

There is an even greater reduction of mammary cancer risk in females spayed before their first season, however, there are other health implications of spaying before they have reached sexual maturity, such as estrogen-responsive urinary incontinence.

Dogs should not be spayed whilst they are in season as the enlarged blood vessels of the reproductive tract increase the risk of hemorrhage. There may also be problems associated with interrupting the reproductive cycle whilst the hormones are in flux. Ideally, spaying should occur between 1-3 months after all signs of their season have settled, and up to 1 month before they are due to have another one.

Sometimes dogs can have a “phantom pregnancy”, which is where the hormones are behaving as though a pregnancy has occurred. Spaying during a phantom pregnancy should also be avoided to avoid causing hormonal issues.

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Final Thoughts

Dogs do not have periods as humans do. Although they bleed during their reproductive cycle, they do this for a different reason than humans. It’s simply due to the increased blood flow, not because they are shedding their uterine lining. Their bleeding levels can differ a lot. Some dogs hardly bleed at all, while others bleed a lot, which is one way that canine estrus is similar to human menstruation!

Often, the bleeding lasts for around 7 to 12 days, though this can vary a lot, as can their window of fertility.

It’s important to segregate your female from other dogs when they are in season, especially entire males. Dogs can become pregnant on their very first heat, and every cycle after that. Unless you’re planning on breeding your female, don’t leave her outside unattended during this time, and ideally spay her between her first and second season.

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Featured Image Credit: tsik, Shutterstock

The post Do Dogs Have Periods? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ appeared first on Pet Keen.

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Beagle Pain Syndrome: Our Vet Explains Steroid-Responsive Meningitis-Arteritis

Steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA) was initially referred to as beagle pain syndrome. It was first identified in young laboratory Beagles that demonstrated clinical signs of lameness, pain, and fever. The condition has also been known by several other names, including juvenile polyarteritis syndrome, necrotizing vasculitis, panarteritis, and polyarteritis, amongst others.

The term SRMA is currently the most universally accepted name, as it refers to not only the underlying pathology (i.e., inflammation of the meninges and their associated arteries) but also the most widely used treatment and its success in managing this disease. The condition has also since been described in various other breeds of dogs, making the term “beagle pain syndrome” no longer appropriate. Learn more about SRMA and its signs and causes below.

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What Is Steroid-Responsive Meningitis-Arteritis?

SRMA is an immune-mediated disease that some consider to be the most frequently diagnosed inflammatory disorder involving the central nervous system (CNS) in dogs. Two different forms of SRMA have been documented: acute and chronic.

As alluded to above, the name of this syndrome gives some valuable clues as to what pathology is involved. The disease is characterized by inflammation involving the meninges and associated arteries, along with evidence of this inflammation within the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Most studies on SRMA have not identified a sex predilection; in other words, males and females appear to be at similar risk, although one study did report a higher prevalence in male dogs. Typically, the condition is identified in dogs under 2 years of age (95% of cases), with the peak prevalence between 6 and 18 months. There have, however, been reports of SRMA in dogs as young as 3 months and as old as 9 years.

Beagle dog sad
Image Credit: CHAIUDON, Shutterstock

What Are the Signs of Steroid-Responsive Meningitis-Arteritis?

Acute SRMA

The clinical signs seen can vary depending on the form of the disease present. Typically, the acute form is characterized by neck pain and rigidity or stiffness, which can be intermittent, along with a fever (and associated lethargy). Many dog owners describe the signs as having a waxing and waning course—this is important to appreciate, given that when presented for examination at a veterinary clinic, dogs with SRMA may not be exhibiting all or even any of the signs commonly seen with this disease. For instance, while fever is common in dogs with SRMA, a normal temperature cannot rule it out as a potential diagnosis in a dog with concurrent neck pain, stiffness, and lethargy.

Chronic SRMA

The chronic form, which is considered less common, may also demonstrate signs seen with the acute form; however, it usually involves repeated episodes of neck pain accompanied by additional neurological deficits (e.g., weakness and an uncoordinated gait). These deficits are consistent with a spinal cord or multifocal neurological disorder and represent an extension of the inflammation from the meninges to adjacent structures (i.e., the spinal cord (myelitis) and the brain (encephalitis)).

Chronic lesions can include meningeal fibrosis (or scarring) and arterial stenosis (narrowing of arteries), which can obstruct normal CSF flow and even occlude vessels, respectively. Such lesions can lead to ischemia of the CNS parenchyma and the other neurological deficits described above. Thus, it can be difficult to distinguish the chronic form of SRMA from the more commonly identified meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology.

Other Signs and Diagnosis

Interestingly, various cardiac changes have also been identified in dogs with SRMA. In one population of 14 dogs, such changes were considered common. In humans, the co-occurrence of cardiac disease in patients with inflammatory CNS disease is well-described. While most cardiac changes identified in dogs with SRMA appear to resolve with steroid therapy, further research is required to determine if cardio-supportive treatment is necessary to avoid potential complications.

There is currently no definitive test for SRMA in a living dog. Thus, a diagnosis involves consideration of several variables, such as history and clinical signs, physical examination findings (e.g., neck pain and fever), the presence of nonspecific findings on laboratory work (blood and CSF), and excluding other potential diagnoses that can present similarly (e.g., infectious diseases, particularly in young dogs, and meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology or even neoplasia in older dogs).

Sad tired beagle dog on sofa. Sick dog.
Image Credit: ALEX_UGALEK, Shutterstock

What Are the Causes of Steroid-Responsive Meningitis-Arteritis?

The exact underlying cause is currently unknown. However, SRMA is understood to be an immune-mediated disease involving abnormal and dysregulated immune responses directed toward the central nervous system of specific breeds of dogs.

The reason or trigger/s behind such a response remains to be determined. No studies have identified an environmental, infectious, or neoplastic (cancerous) trigger for this disease. There is also no relationship between vaccination and the development of SRMA in dogs.

How Do I Care for a Dog With Steroid-Responsive Meningitis-Arteritis?

As the name suggests, treatment of this condition involves using steroids (otherwise known as corticosteroids or glucocorticoids) such as prednisone or prednisolone. Generally, dogs with SRMA are treated with prolonged courses of steroids, starting at immunosuppressive dosages and gradually tapering the dose (until the drug can be safely discontinued) over approximately 6 months. Such courses have proven excellent in achieving remission, with some studies reporting success in up to 98.4% of cases. Most dogs show clinical improvement within 2 days of starting steroid therapy.

Relapse

Unfortunately, in many dogs, this remission appears to be short-lived. Relapse rates range from anywhere between 16% and 47.5%. Relapses are believed to result from either inadequate dosage or an inappropriate or insufficient duration of treatment. Some authors have also proposed that certain dogs may be insensitive to steroids, as documented sporadically in humans undergoing treatment for various immune-mediated diseases. It has also been hypothesized that inadequate treatment leads to the development of the chronic form of SRMA.

Predicting which dogs will relapse and when is a problem that has prompted much research. Unfortunately, a predictive marker remains elusive, and relapses have been reported both during treatment and following cessation of therapy with steroids. Most cases that relapse experience one or two relapse episodes; however, although uncommon, some dogs have been noted to have three or even four relapses.

It may also be the case that certain breeds are more likely to suffer a relapse, with one study describing such a finding in Beagles and Bernese Mountain dogs. Older dogs appear less likely to relapse, with apparent resistance to recurrence of signs after approximately 2 years of age being described by some authors.

feeding beagle dog
Image Credit: Olena Yakobchuk, Shutterstock

Not only has this high relapse rate prompted much investigation into a possible predictive marker, but it has also led to studies looking at the use of additional drugs in managing relapses to hopefully prevent further relapse. This is not surprising, given the multiple immunosuppressive drugs available in veterinary medicine and the somewhat common practice of using multimodal therapy to manage cases of inflammatory CNS disease in dogs.

One study looked at cytosine arabinoside, a chemotherapeutic, to help address such issues. While this addition did result in remission of signs in 10 out of 12 dogs, side effects and adverse events associated with its inclusion were identified in all 12 dogs, many requiring additional measures to manage these adverse events.

It is also worth mentioning that prolonged courses of steroids in dogs have also been associated with mild side effects, the most reported being diarrhea. These adverse effects are dose-related and therefore tend to be more apparent earlier in the treatment course, and large-breed dogs are also more susceptible.

Other Treatment Options

Another potential therapeutic option for dogs with SRMA is targeting the endocannabinoid system (e.g., using derivatives of Cannabis sativa). Endocannabinoids have proven helpful in immunomodulation, neuroprotection, and helping control inflammatory disorders of the CNS. A recent study showed upregulation of specific endocannabinoid receptors in dogs with SRMA, suggesting that targeting the endocannabinoid system may help manage dogs with SRMA.

What Is the Prognosis for a Dog With Steroid-Responsive Meningitis-Arteritis?

The prognosis varies depending on the form of SRMA a dog is diagnosed with. The acute form, especially in young dogs, generally has a good to even excellent prognosis with early implementation of steroid treatment.

In contrast, the chronic form usually has a more guarded prognosis and requires more aggressive and long-term therapy.

Cute and beautiful beagle dog lying on the exam table at the veterinarian. Two vets examining a sick and scared pet with a stethoscope
Image Credit: Beach Creatives, Shutterstock

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Breeds of Dogs Get SRMA? Does It Only Occur in Beagles?

While SRMA, formerly known as beagle pain syndrome, was first identified in Beagles, several other breeds have since been recognized as predisposed to this condition. Such breeds include Beagles, Bernese Mountain dogs, Border Collies, Boxers, Golden Retrievers, Jack Russell Terriers, Weimaraners, Whippets, and Wirehaired Pointing Griffons. Notably, no differences in disease severity, diagnostic findings, or even outcome have been recognized across predisposed breeds.

Is SRMA Contagious?

No. SRMA is an immune-mediated disease that stems from an abnormal immune response within the body. In the case of SRMA, this response is directed toward or against the meninges (the membranes that line the brain and spinal cord) and associated arteries. No underlying triggers have been identified that could lead to the abnormal immune response and clinical signs seen in dogs with SRMA.

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Conclusion

In summary, SRMA is a common immune-mediated disorder identified in several dog breeds (not just the Beagle), particularly young dogs. Two forms of the disease have been well-described, and the clinical signs and prognosis differ. Treatment of dogs with SRMA is centered on using corticosteroids such as prednisone, which are highly effective in achieving remission of clinical signs, especially in dogs with the acute form of the disease. Unfortunately, relapse is very common and necessitates close monitoring in all dogs with a history of SRMA for the recurrence of signs and subsequent rapid re-implementation of steroid therapy.

Sources

Featured Image Credit: yangtak, Shutterstock

The post Beagle Pain Syndrome: Our Vet Explains Steroid-Responsive Meningitis-Arteritis appeared first on Pet Keen.