Jamie...I have shared the following story before, but I think I'll repeat it here ... so you can see that we all learn from these things...
When my Lexie was in heat (my first female to experience it)...I had read everything about it...I knew what to expect. Then one day, she rolled over for a belly rub and ...my goodness! She was HUGE (her private part) ... I mean HUGE....about the size of my fist! Well, I was CERTAIN that she had some sort of horrible infection. Of course, this was on a Sunday. Still, I rushed her to the emergency vet because I thought she would burst! LOL
The vet took a look and said, "Yep, she's in heat."
I wanted to die. I was so embarrassed...still the vet continued to explain that females are all different and that some get really big, as Lexie had done, ... "Makes a good target." she said...*sigh*
Well, it cost me over $100 for that lesson! Sooo, see? This forum has probably saved you a visit with the vet...and a few bucks!