Nature doesn't always follow our plans, and if you've found yourself dealing with an unexpected pregnancy situation with your female pet, you're not alone. Whether it's a missed spay appointment, a neighborhood Romeo, or an adoption mix-up, accidents happen. In this guide, we'll explore the term "mismating" and discuss your options once you find yourself in this situation.
Understanding Mismating
Mismating occurs when nature takes an unexpected turn, leading to an unplanned pregnancy in your female pet. While it might be tempting to seek immediate solutions, hormonal drugs for a quick fix come with unacceptable side effects. Unfortunately, there's no safe "morning after" treatment. The best course of action is to wait until the pregnancy is confirmed before making any decisions.
Confirming Pregnancy
Around 30 days into the pregnancy, your pet can be tested using a simple blood test called Witness Relaxin, similar to a home pregnancy test. Once pregnancy is confirmed, it's time to review your options.
Option 1: Have the Babies
While this might seem like a natural choice, caring for a pregnant pet and her offspring involves considerable effort. From managing the birth to finding homes for the babies, it's a substantial commitment. However, it's also an opportunity to be part of the solution to the pet overpopulation problem.
Option 2: Spay During Pregnancy
The spay surgery involves removing the uterus and ovaries, terminating the pregnancy. While this option prevents future pregnancies, it comes with increased risks, especially if the female is in advanced pregnancy. Discuss the procedure with your veterinarian, considering the size of the pet and the stage of pregnancy.
Option 3: Medical Abortion
If breeding in the future is crucial, pregnancy can be terminated without sterilizing the female using medications during the second trimester. This involves hospitalization, as injectable medications and objectionable vaginal discharge are part of the process. Understanding the hormonal dynamics involved is crucial, and your veterinarian will have a preferred protocol.
Medication Options
Various medications disrupt the hormones responsible for maintaining pregnancy. Whether using cabergoline, bromocriptine, prostaglandin, or dexamethasone, your veterinarian will choose a protocol based on reliability and the pet's comfort.
Post-Abortion Testing
After the abortion procedure, it's advisable to conduct a pregnancy test to ensure its effectiveness. This can include another Relaxin test, belly radiographs, blood progesterone levels, ultrasound, or a combination of these methods.
Warning: The Mismating Shot
The outdated practice of using estrogen injections after mismating is strongly discouraged due to associated risks such as uterine infection and bone marrow suppression. It's crucial to avoid this treatment for the safety of your pet.
Accidental pregnancies can be challenging, but understanding your options and working closely with your veterinarian ensures the best outcome for your pet's health and well-being.
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