Hormonal abnormalities?

[burpie]

Our un-spayed almost 15 y/o dog was in heat during late Sept-early October, but still has an extremely swollen vulva three months later. Her normal cycle lasts 2 - 3 weeks, occurring approximately 1x per 9 -12 months since age 10 months. She has never been pregnant. She is behaving normally except for increased territorial marking and licking her vulva, both consistent with her usual heat cycle behavior. Concerned about possible pyometra or UTI, I took her to the vet in late Nov., but everything checked out as normal and no diagnosis was made. While there has been no change since then, I am concerned about the swelling and apparent continued heat cycle (males seem to be increasingly interested in her). Could this be a 'normal' hormonal anomaly related to age, or might there be a more serious underlying condition that could trigger an extended heat cycle? Should I take her to see a specialist for a second opinion, and what further tests would be advisable?

[burpie]

Thank you both for your input - the additional opinions were much appreciated. We have now had her spayed - it turned out that she had both ovarian cysts and uterine abscesses, although all blood-work remained WNL and there was never any uterine leakage other than a clear watery discharge in the week or so prior to surgery. Despite her kidney problem and age, she sailed through surgery and is so far recovering well.
Thanks again.

[Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM]

I completely agree with Dr Cruz and wanted to add that once you rule out Pyometra, although she has never been pregnant she could possible be having a false pregnancy.
Best Wishes
Dr Carol Osborne, DVM

[Bernadine Cruz, D.V.M.]

I agree with you that an intact female dog that is still exhibiting a swollen vulva this long after her estrus cycle is atypical and I would also be concerned with the possibilty of a primary uterine problem.  Pyometra or a mucomytrea can be slow to develop especially if she has an open cervix that allow some of the uterine material to flow out.  There are other conditions that could come into play but I would strongly recommend that you schedule an appointment for a recheck examination.  Your veterinarian could perform an abdominal xray as well as a vaginal swab that can be examined for the types of cells present and to check for bacteria.  If the xray is not definitive, it may be necessary to have an ultrasound performed.  Have you considered having her spayed.  This may answer all of your questions and solve the problem.  Though she is a 'mature dog', she can still be safely spayed when all the appropriate safeguards are attended to.  

Best of luck...
Dr. Bernadine