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	Spayed Airdale Problems Q: Two months ago I rescued an Airdale Terrier bitch. I was informed that she was due to be on season sometime in January 2000. She was spayed on December 1st and seemed to be doing just fine - until today. She's very lethargic and off her food when in the house, but, when out on her walks she was very different. Sniffing and scenting everywhere and everything, and, most importantly running off and not responding to my calls. When she saw a male dog that she knew she was 'all over him'. Presumably this is all hormonal and is due to the fact that she should be coming into season. Am I right? What other signs can I look out for? and how long should it last? Your advice would be appreciated Sue Porter

A: Dear Sue,

Firstly, let me say well done on rescuing an Airdale - they are a breed we do not see enough of anymore. They are such characters,as I am sure you have found out!

What you describe sounds a little unusual, as bitches do not normally show signs of coming into season when they have been speyed. At the time of the operation, both ovaries are normally removed along with the womb itself. As the ovaries are where the female hormones are produced, this means they do not "come into season" anymore. Some bitches can be hormonally upset for a while after the operation, as the hormones have been suddenly removed, but it sounds like your bitch was fine until now.

It could be a behavioural problem, which is controlled by the brain rather than the female hormones. Has there been any upset in the house recently, which could be making her happier when she is outside ??

Conditions like cystitis can make a bitch act strangely sometimes,but she would normally be squatting to urinate a lot. If the strange behaviour continues, it would be worth getting a urine sample and taking her
back to your vet to have her checked over.

Hope this is of some help,

Maeve Moorcroft MVB,MRCVS.

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