Lactating after getting spayed? Anyone else heard of this?

[Indriya]

Hi~I got Bella a year ago. She was already 7yrs old and had not been spayed. After agonizing over the decision, we decided to have her spayed on Tuesday. Since then she has been lactating, very depressed and uncomfortable. Has anyone else experienced or heard of this? The vet says she is going through a "phantom pregnancy" what the heck! :( So sad for her and disappointed that we put her through this! Any advice? Thanks so much!

[JenC]

When was she last in season? False pregnancies happen right after they go into heat, mimicking the symptoms had the dog gotten pregnant. So that would be about 2 months (give or take a week or so) after she went into heat. Most vets recommend spaying a few months after the last heat so that all the hormones etc are normal again before spaying. So she possibly was spayed too soon after the last heat. It may be uncomfortable for her right now, but she'll make it through. I just don't know much that they can do for her.

[windycanyon]

Yes, I had one ~15 yrs ago who did that. I now wait until at least 3 mos after a season to spay. She did get over it w/in a few days at least, so hopefully things will be better for you soon.