Split Heat?

Question

I have an Olde English Bulldogge. She is intact as of now, and I have to assume she's going into "split heat". She went into heat the middle/end of November, and then on the 18th of December she started bleeding again. She's been bleeding 3 weeks now. I called the vet, who said to just watch her for another week or 2.

Maybe it's me, but isn't 3+ weeks of bleeding excessive for an OEB? I figured 3 weeks being the maximum for bleeding. Other than the bleeding this time, she doesn't display any vulvar swelling, or urinating in many different spots of the yard.

For anyone who wants to tell me to "get her fixed", or "don't have an intact dog if you don't know what you're doing", please don't even comment. We don't intend to breed this dog until we have finished our studies. Breeders aren't born, they're made, which is why we'll wait until her third heat to breed. I don't plan to breed until I'm fully educated.

Thanks!

Answer 1

While uncommon, it happens at times for a female dog to have split heats, due to the fact that it wasn't breded during the previous one.
It's dangerous for a dog to have heat cycles and not conceive, as they are prone to a fatal uterine infection, called pyometra.
I commend you for wanting to be educated first, before breeding your dog. Meantime, make sure she gets check out every time after a heat cycle, to make sure she doesn't get sick from it.

Answer 2

Honestly, if you are being truthful about wanting to get into the breed and learn about all this...the LAST place you need to be getting advice is this Yahoo board.

Your best bet is to talk to the breeder where you got your girl, join your local bulldog club, join your national bulldog club, get involved and read up.

My lab has a perfect 21 day cycle. During the middle it appears that the bleeding has almost stopped, but since we have an intact male as well, he assures us that her heat is not done during that middle week.

Good luck if this is what you want to do. OEB are a hard breed, especially since they do not whelp naturally and must have a c-section to whelp.

Answer 3

With split heat, the female develops swelling and bleeding in the first part of the heat, does not proceed to estrus, and goes out of heat without being receptie to male. The 2nd cycle can be 2 - 10 weeks later, and goes into standing heat. It's caused by lack of pituitary output of LH. Usually happens in young females, and most often the next heat is normal and no treatment is required.

However, I'd be taking this dog to the vet if she was mine because I don't believe bleeding for 3 weeks is normal, especially in the second part of the cycle.

Answer 4

Most dogs go into heat every six months. Some will have "split seasons", during which they go into heat at the 3 month mark.

It sounds to us like your dog is having issues other than that, and we suggest that you get a second opinion... especially if your gut is telling you that your vet was being too "dismissive" about your concerns. For your dog's safety and your own peace of mind, have your dog checked out by another vet.

Answer 5

I've never heard of a "split heat", and I've had female dobermans for well over 26 yrs.

I don't know all that much about bullies, and commend you on educating yourself before jumping in with both feet.

I do know that with my breed, and the possibility of hip problems, we have them OFA certified. This cannot be done until they are 24 months of age, so we do not breed a female until she can be tested and only if results come back "Excellent or Good". Doberman are also tested for vWD, thyroid, cardio, eyes (CERF) before considered for breeding.

I would recommend checking in depth the health issues that do and can affect a OEB before breeding so you are not passing on undesireable traits or health issues. And consider holding off breeding until they (male or female) are 2 yrs old and have had adequate health testing done.

Answer 6

sure