My dog is experiencing a long menstural cycle and is acting funny.

[trinajean]

I have a pure bred pit bull I rescued that is about 8 or 9 years old and she's experiencing an excessively long heat cycle and is acting very weird like getting into the car her back legs gave out so I lifted her in the car and she sat on some papers I commanded her to move but she wouldn't so I gave her a nudge and when she got up there was a smear of blood on the paper. I was told she's had 3 litters of puppies  but it's been about 7 years since her last litter. I've experienced her in heat before and it's usually a week or 2 and it's over and she's usually really good about keeping herself clean but it's been over a month now since the first sign of blood and it's still continuing. I'm worried there's something wrong but I can't afford a vets visit with also raising a child and I don't want anything to happen to my loving dog. She's eating and drinking fine but it seems like she's losing weight. The blood isn't constant it comes in spurts like she'll sit down and when she gets up there's a smear of blood. If anyone might have some answers it would be gratefully appreciated. I'm worried the bleeding is something more then her just in heat.

[Misfits4Me]

Let us know what you find out & thanks for the update......Karla

[trinajean]

Thank you for some suggestions on what it could be and what should be done. Mika, my pit, was used for a breeding dog so the puppies could be raised for fighting and she was beat so me being a dog lover took her from her owner when I seen what she was being used for. I thought since of her past it could of been related or that maybe it was because she wasn't fixed and it was maybe a dog form of something like menopause that human women go through. But on that note the vet I go to said she'd be fine with not being fixed. I take her to the vet yearly for her shots so she is examined and see yearly. I do not work a regular steady job so income is tight like I stated before especially with a child and I do not own a car or a computer so pawning anything isn't really an option but on a good note my father is willing to help me with the cost of the vet visit so she will be seen. The main reason I had posted my question on here was to get an idea of what this could be and if it should be something I have checked out. I didn't know if this was something common in unspayed female dogs or if it was something that shouldn't happen. I didn't want to waist money that could be used for my child on a vet visit that pointless but since everyone that I have spoken to says she should be seen by a vet I will take her to the vet. Fingers crossed nothing serious is wrong and I don't have to put her down. I couldn't stand losing her but I know if she's in pain and it can't be fixed it's what has to be done. Hopefully is nothing or something that can be cured with medicine. Again thank you for the information.

[ginger899]

I totally agree with Misfits4Me. This sounds as if it could be Pyometra. There is a possibility it isn't, but is hormonal disturbance. Either way she does need to see a vet. Yes it can be hard to find the money, but a life is a life, and if it is Pyometra, and it is left, she could be in real trouble, and could even die. Another thing that can happen if it is Pyometra is it could affect her kidney function the longer it is let, as toxins will enter the bloodstream.

Sell or pawn whatever you can, like Karla suggests. If it's the choice between your dog or your car....well I know which I would choose.

[Misfits4Me]

Welcome....My guess in a un-spayed female of this age would be possible Pyometra which is fatal if left untreated......Having her spayed years ago would have prevented this! There are many low-cost spay/neuter clinics these days & there's NO excuse for not having it done......I'm talking, some only charge $30 for services.....

Because of your financial situation, I suppose she has not had routine Vet care, so in reality, there could be many things going on & it's finally caught up with her!

Call around and see if you can find a Vet that will take a payment plan for services.....

Call your local ASPCA or Humane society and ask them about any low cost Vet clinics in your area.....They may provide one themselves or can direct you to one...

Do you have a job? If so, You can apply for "Carecredit" online......Many Vet clinics and surgical centers will accept this card for payment.....It's a credit card that is used ONLY for ANIMAL & Human medical expenses....They won't accept you if you do not have an income to pay them back...

Can you borrow any money from a relative or friend & pay them back alittle at a time?

Last but not least, would be to Pawn something for some cash......Maybe your computer?

Either way, she needs to see a VET ASAP or she will only get worse........Let us know what you find out.....Karla

[deadgamegrrl]

I know you don't want to hear this but you really need to get her to the vet. She could have an infection which will only get worse if left untreated, and could be fatal.

I would also get her spayed to prevent any further problems. You may be able to find a low cost spay/neuter clinic to do this.

Pits are wonderful dogs, and they hide their pain very effectively. Please keep us posted!

[Jerry_NJ]

These days it is unusual to get a dog from rescue that has not been neutered.  Is she to old?  How long have you owned the dog.

I think you need to figure out some way to get her to a vet, she needs prescription for monthly worm prevention treatment and a tic/flea blocker which doesn't require a prescription.  

You may want to talk with the rescue "service" about referral to a vet who might take payment over a period of time to further help a rescue dog that needs some flexibility in paying for services.

Did you get the dog from a formal rescue service; ASPCA, or something else, or was it a case of taking the dog directly from a breeder or other owner who could no longer take care of her.  

Our dog is a rescue Westie about the same age and he was nutered by the rescue processes, but he still needed considerable vet work, fortunately we were able to pay those charges.

You dog sounds like a very friendly dog, a Terrier (e.g., a Westie) can be very stubborn. I have a friend who has a rescue mix Pit and a Jack Russell and he has some interesting dog stories.  He said the Pit is the most loving, the opposite of the bad reputation that seems to be the common view.  I have never owned a Pit and our Westie if our first Terrier, it is a real experience.  Our dog is very cute and lovable, but difficult in many ways, including health issues.