Yes it's usually once a year and the first one might be at nine months. So one heat for an 18 month female wouldn't be abnormal. If it was at 9 months and 17 months that would be on schedule. A little confused by your mention of two heats.
not coming in heat
@tanza She is our breed, we have her mother who is coming in season twice a year. She had normal first period at age of 8-9 months at fall time, then her second at spring time. Since then it's a year already she's not coming in heat again. And I am worried if this is normal?
@donc She is our breed, we have her mother who is coming in season twice a year. She had normal first period at age of 8-9 months at fall time, then her second at spring time. Since then it's a year already she's not coming in heat again. And I am worried if this is normal?
We've had girls we despaired of ever coming into season - finally though, they all did. Basenjis can be extremely unpredictable at the best of times
@emilia said in not coming in heat:
@donc She is our breed, we have her mother who is coming in season twice a year. She had normal first period at age of 8-9 months at fall time, then her second at spring time. Since then it's a year already she's not coming in heat again. And I am worried if this is normal?
The math is not working for me, if she is currently 18 months old.
She's 20 mo now. And her last season was in spring 2018. And yes, the first season was at 6-7 mo, as I remember, anyway she skipped to come in season last fall and this spring.
Your own vet can run some blood work. It is possible she had a "silent heat" where almost all outward signs aren't there. But ultimately, a fertility specialist my be needed. You want to make sure some underlying health or medical problem isn't the cause.
@debradownsouth Yes, I just want to know that everything is ok with her health. Their owners talked to the vet and got an appointment for this fall to be checked under sedation. Do you think that is necessary?
No ! The fewer times a Basenji is sedated, the better. Only sedate if absolutely necessary. They are unpredictable as to seasons, especially as younger dogs - give her a couple of years and she'll probably settle down to some kind of routine.
A good vet will take bloods (again at need) and the analysis should tell him/her all he/she needs to know to make an accurate diagnosis.
Make sure the vet has dealt with Basenjis and knows they are not as other breeds.
You should observe and keep accurate, factual notes. My dogs through the ages have always had a 'Health Book' each with comments on every trip to the vet, the symptoms which lead to the visit, any reaction to medication etc.
I hate to disagree with your breeder, but I'm with Sally. I cannot come up with any reason to sedate to test fertility issues. Sure, if she was showing signs of pain, pyometra, something obvious. But risking anesthesia makes no sense. I really would ask her what she is thinking is wrong that would justify sedating.