I’m really stressing out and could use some advice about my dog, Luna. She’s a four-year-old Labrador who was spayed about a year ago. Recently, she’s been displaying behaviors like she did before she was spayed — she's more affectionate than usual, constantly wanting attention, and sniffing around like she’s picking up some scent in the air. What really caught me off guard was seeing some bloody discharge, which got me panicking. I thought maybe the vet missed something during the spaying (is that even possible?), or could there be a health issue I’m completely unaware of? I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed and would really appreciate any insights or similar experiences you all might be able to share. I plan to call the vet first thing tomorrow, but I just need to calm my nerves tonight. Thanks in advance!
Hello there! I understand why you're concerned; it can be a bit puzzling to see your spayed dog showing signs of being in heat. Let's see if we can make sense of what's happening.
One possibility is a condition called "ovarian remnant syndrome." Sometimes, a small piece of ovarian tissue remains after surgery, and it can still produce hormones, causing heat-like signs. Another possibility might be a hormonal imbalance, which might cause similar symptoms.
To support your pup at home, keep a close eye on her behavior and look for signs such as swelling, discharge, or unusual interest from other dogs. While these symptoms are not immediately dangerous, they do suggest an underlying issue that we might want to investigate further.
Be sure to watch for any signs that her condition might be more serious. These include excessive lethargy, loss of appetite, or anything else that seems out of the ordinary. If you notice these, it's important to seek veterinary attention promptly.
I'd love to help you further unravel this mystery and discuss the next steps. Why not book a video consultation with Dial A Vet? It'll be convenient for you and helpful for us to assess your dog's specific situation together. We'll get to the bottom of this!
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