Dogs Anal Glands

[ethandron]

Have a vet appointment tomorrow morning with the pup as we think he may have a problem with the above. He’s shown no sign of a problem except that twice he’s had a very fishy smelling, small discharge from his bum, latest this afternoon.
His poo is very firm, he’s not done any scooting or rubbing, just this discharge. If it is his anal glands causingthe problem, is this usually an ongoing problem or will itsort itself out? Or do I need to buy some rubber gloves??????
Thanks.

[chanel5]

We've had a number of dogs with anal gland problems and have had mixed experience. Our first boy. a setter, had his anal glands expressed when he was about two years old, and they never needed to be done again. Our next two dogs, both collies, had to have theirs done regularly - a very smelly procedure but the vet didn't seem to mind. Our current chap is also a collie, not yet two years old, and so far his anal glands have given him no trouble.

[ethandron]

Oh heck, I hope our pup takes after your first dog and just needs this doing once, if that’s what the problem is. Don’t really fancy doing it to him myself, nor regular (pricey) vet visits.
Thank you for your reply Chanel, very helpful.

[chanel5]

I was told by a vet that adding extra fibre to a dog's diet helps to prevent anal gland problems.
But getting them done is not too bad - when I said our collies had their glands done "regularly", it was only about once a year or so, so wasn't too expensive. I never had the courage to do it myself.

[woofgang]

yes it varies. I have had one dog who needed it done regularly, one who needed it done twice ever and the current two have never needed it although one of them has expressed his in extreme fear a couple of times. I learned to do it for the dog who needed it done regularly because it was less stressful for the dog than going to the vet and I could do it immediately it was needed and not wait for an appointment. Some dogs can be helped with a diet which makes their poo firmer but some can't. When we had the dog who needed it done regularly, it was thought that the more often that it was done, the more likely it would need to be done more often. I can say from experience that this is not true. I did try leaving it as that was the vet advice but after his second infection I decided to check regularly and do it as needed. It was much less painful and stressful for the dog and easier for me.

[woofgang]

oh by "regularly", I meant every 4 to 6 weeks

[CrapAtCryptics]

The vet will be happy to show you how to do it and there are also a number of videos on Youtube. Sometimes varying their diet helps.

[ethandron]

Just back from vet.
He emptied both sides and lots of fluid came out, with bits in it. Gave him a jab of colsone (or something like that) to reduce the very obvious inflammation, and a spray of doggie deodorant.
Vet said just like all your answers...sometimes it only needs doing once, sometimes regularly but probably that means about once a year, sometimes becomes a real problem and a more permanent solution needed.
Having seen the vet do it, I really doubt I could to it myself, hopefully I won’t need to! Couldn’t believe the amount of stuff that was squeezed out!!!
Vet also reckons diet makes no difference, some dogs are prone to it, some not. Our pup has a very strict diet and his poo is always very firm.
Thank you all for your answers, you certainly live and learn :)

[woofgang]

Can I suggest that if getting then squeezed regularly will keep it controlled, even if it goes to much more frequently than annually, that you stick at managing it that way if you can? Glands can be surgically removed but its very painful for the dog post op, slow to heal and there is a risk of infection from passing faeces. If you have a reasonable relationship with your dog, its honestly not difficult to learn to do at home.

[ethandron]

I hear what you’re saying, Woof, think I’ll have to cross that bridge if/when I come to it.

[hereIam]

Two of my dogs in the past have had their anal glands removed and both recovered very well with no problems. It had to be done because their anal glands were a real problem and needed emptying almost weekly, and there was no way I could do it myself. I have had four dogs of my own and only one of them didn't have problems with their anal glands. My present dog now has to have hers emptied every three months or so and she's not in distress so there's no need for her to have the op. There is a risk with the op. as, if the vet accidentally nicks the sphincter muscle during the op., the dog will be left 'poo' incontinent. They are a damn nuisance !

[CrapAtCryptics]

The diet change suggestion is only to keep their stool firm and allow solid waste to naturally compress and express the anal glands.

[rowanwitch]

Sounds like an infection rather than just blockage, hopefully a one off, cat anal glands are the same , some need it some don't.