Pseudopregnancy is a condition that is estimated to affect 40 % of all female dogs. Common symptoms are decreased activity level, weight gain, mammary enlargement, milk production, nesting behavior, anorexia and maternal behavior. The symptoms are displayed during metoestrus. Prolactin is one of the causes behind Pseudopregnancy, but the full process is not yet known. Due to the fact that the condition affects that many bitches and often is recurrent, it is relevant to examine how the condition affects the bitch?s behavior and performance.

This is a literature study in which I investigate if there are scientific studies that form the basis of the Swedish dog world views concerning the spaying of bitches. The positive impacts are said to be reduced problems with Pseudopregnancy, reduced risk of pyometra, reduced risk of mammary and uterine tumors, an earlier cease of bone growth, a more active and happier dog and a bitch who is more tolerant of other dogs. The negative consequences are said to be urinary incontinence, increased aggressiveness, lower metabolism and the increased risk of obesity, a more lethargic individual and altered coat.There are studies indicating that spaying reduces behavioral problems associated with heat and Pseudopregnancy. Assuming no ovary tissue persists after the procedure, and there is no progesterone production, the risk of pyometra decreases. Early spaying, before the first heat, reduces the risk of mammary tumors.

Tikens skendräktighet kan ställa till med mycket problem för djurägaren och även förvirring hos hunden. Många ser kastrering som en lösning på problemet men det kan i sin tur ge biverkningar. Därför undersöks i denna uppsats vad man idag vet om skendräktighet, varför bara vissa tikar visar de typiska skendräktighetssymptomen och vad man potentiellt skulle kunna göra för att minska dessa i framtiden. Frågan belyses utifrån hundens specifika fysiologi, hormonerna, ursprunget från vargen, och vad användning av denna kunskap kan leda till i framtiden. Hunden har, oavsett dräktighet eller ej, alltid en kvarstående gulkropp efter östrus. Detta ger förhöjda progesteronnivåer vilket kan leda till symptom som, bobygge, mjölkbildning och modersbeteende.