Any on site experts with anal gland issues?
We dutifully went every three weeks. We've added Metamucil to his diet, and they are much calmer now. He handles the expressing process much better, but he still can't go more than three weeks. One side is still swollen and a little tender. On Friday I took him in. We were going to try waiting one more week this time but it was clear that he was already in need of attention so I took him right in. He handled the expressing okay again, but this time the vet decided to "infuse" them so she injected medication directly inside and he went crazy when she did the sensitive side. It took four of us to hold him, but we were able to complete the infusion without sedation (although I sure could have used some). We go back in a few weeks for a follow up. I was just wondering if anyone here has any advice. The vet seems to feel that, in time, we should be able to do Rudy's glands with reducing frequency, but it's been three weeks to the day every single time so far. She's hoping the infusion will "do the trick." Has anyone been down this road before and had success? If it doesn't get better, can I be taught to do them at home? It's not terribly expensive but it would be nice to not have the expense, and during the school year it's a challenge to get home, pick up Rudy, and whip back to the vet after work. I know that there's also a surgical option. Our vet says we're nowhere near that point yet...and I'm certainly not in any hurry to do anything surgical if there's another way, but does anyone here have any experience with dogs who have had anal glands removed? Do they ever just do one side? I'm just looking for information. Thanks in advance. |
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| I'm curious too. Luna is no where near as bad as Rudy sounds, but we have to have her done no later than every six weeks. Sometimes much more often. I wonder if its something I can learn to do, but worry about it. I mean, I can't do her nails; how am I going to manage anal glands?!? |
| Sorry, I don't have any experience with having anal glands removed. Some dogs just need a little help. A friend has her dog's expressed every 4 weeks. Panda needs to be done about every 3 weeks now or she'll scoot in an attempt to do it herself. Risking too much information here... Honest... you can learn to do it. I remember when I asked a vet tech to teach me how.   But Diane was great!! Just a little KY jelly and a rubber glove, tissue. I always do a quick fanny wash with soap and water in the tub after... I don't use cover-up spray.I couldn't do it at first, even had to take Panda back in for them to show me again because I couldn't figure out how to do the right side. It took a few attempts and private time in the bathroom with Panda.  It was a little trial and error for me because the darn gland would shift. What works for me is to locate it internally, then use my thumb and middle finger on the outside to kind of hold it in place to prevent it from shifting when I apply pressure. Be careful you don't get squirted... I haven't yet, but the vet tech told me one doc got squirted in the face  You kind of milk the gland to get it to release, then express it completely.If the dog is one that might not care for the little "procedure", I have Jim give her treats while I do it. Emma used to turn around like, "hey, what the heck??" but now does well. You can do it... once you learn it, it's no big deal. You just need someone a little patient to show you how... maybe the next time you go in to have them expressed. And if you don't get it the first time, just go back again for another lesson. |
| I agree with Jaci that it is something you can learn to do. Maggie has issues with one of hers -- it is big and floppy and does not drain properly despite having firm stool. So she needs hers expressed at least once a month and I find it really annoying to make time for that and often delay, to her great discomfort. I've asked a few vets about the surgery and they all recommend against it if it is a situation that can be managed without surgery. This is because there are tons of nerves down there and a not insubstantial risk that the dog could become incontinent in a way that could not be managed. Old-age incontinence I can handle. Incontinence because I wanted a surgery so as to make my life a little more convenient would, I think, kill me with guilt and frustration. So I too have been thinking that this is simply something that I will need to learn to do. . . |
| You sure can do it yourself! When I worked at the vet's our vet tech had to express her Lhasa's anal glands frequently. She would rupture her anal glands once year, it was a terrible sight to see. Ask the vet or vet tech to show you how to do it. It may not be so stressful on Rudy to do it at home rather than at the vets, he may relax more. |
| YES I HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH ANAL GLAND ISSUES!! Sigh. Our dalmo Rastus has a repeatedly impacted right anal gland that needs to be emptied every 2-3 weeks. The left is never a problem, go figure. Apparently the right anal sac is further in so they think that having a longer duct makes it more prone to impacting. My vet has never mentioned infusing it so I dont know about that (I plan to ask though  ). Initially we had to go to the vet every week and it did get better to where it was every 2 or 3 weeks but it never improved past 2-3 weeks. Going to the vet every 2-3 weeks was getting hard to fit in and whilst it doesnt cost much each time it does start to add up over the year. I also didnt want to have surgery if it wasnt necessary. There's a high risk of infection due to the close proximity of faeces and also almost always short term faecal incontinence with a risk of long term incontinence. So my vet offered to teach me how to express anal glands. Woo Hoo - NOT! My DH grew up on a farm delivering calves etc but he refused point blank to learn. He holds Rastus while I do the deed and he complains and moans about the smell. Its really easy to do once you've been taught and had a bit of practise (takes me less than a minute to actually do it, just getting gloves, lube and paper towel all sorted takes the longest). You've no doubt experienced the smell if you've held Rudy so you know what you're in for there. At first Rastus used to whine and cry. So much so that I took him back to my vet because I was worried about an infection. He stood and didnt make a peep for the vet.  Vet said Rastus was 'putting it on' in the hopes I would give up and certainly after keeping at it Rastus doesnt sook anymore. But I think I've gotten better at it with practise too. Just lately Rastus has actually stood still and I've managed the process on my own without DH holding him. Then I dont get all the grumbling about smell. I hand out Rastus favorite treats liberally after we're done. There's gotta be a light at the end of the tunnel for him. Pardon the pun. PS my vet told me quite proudly that he has taught 3 of his clients to express anal glands. Apparently this is an impressive record amongst his colleagues  (so glad I had the opportunity to help ), most owners are too squeamish and either pay up regularly or opt for the surgery. I'm sure he'll be happy to take partial credit for influencing your decision if I convince you that its really easy and you'll learn it in no time. Maybe its my chronic sinusitis and reduced sense of smell but its over so quickly that its really not that bad. Good luck with the anal glands maybe they'll get better.PSS I tried all the diet stuff it didnt help |
| I too ahve experience with anal gland issues. Not a sheepie but a Samoyed. And sorry to say, his anals glands got so impacted and infected, he had to ahve surgery to remove them. The surgery was not a big deal but the recovery was difficult. I was a teenager living at home at the time but do remember the event not being pleasant for anyone. And also, yes You can learn to express the anal glands yourself. However, with a dog that has problems, or if the glands are impacted or infected, I think its best left to a trained Vet or vet tech. Poor Rudy...hope things improve. |
| You're right. This is all for regular maintenance and it's why you need a professional to teach you. Ask also what to watch for that might indicate an infection or impaction. Note too that infected anal glands can also rupture. Regularly expressing them will help to alleviate discomfort and possibly a problem down the road if the dog doesn't express them him/herself. I agree with Mim... it's icky at first but then no big deal. I think I'd like your vet! Panda knows the drill... she'll enthusiastically turn around for me. It's the fanny wash afterward that she wants to avoid. Some dog's are easier to express than others... some also have glands located a bit out of place. Emma's are a bit lower than usual.One gloved right hand (I actually use vinyl gloves), apply the lube to the tip of the index finger, do the deed, wipe down the dog with tissue and pull the glove inside out leaving the tissue inside the glove to reduce the smell and contain the gunk and dispose of the smelly evidence. Yup, there's a method. |
6Girls wrote: One gloved right hand (I actually use vinyl gloves), apply the lube to the tip of the index finger, do the deed, wipe down the dog with tissue and pull the glove inside out leaving the tissue inside the glove to reduce the smell and contain the gunk and dispose of the smelly evidence. Yup, there's a method. Ha you and I have the exact same method down pat, even to the inside out glove with the tissue left inside. Only difference is I glove my left hand, my vet is left handed and its easier to express a right sided anal gland with the left hand so that's how I learnt to do it. Its about the only thing I'm any good at with my left hand. |
| Oh, man... it would have been easier doing the right side with my left hand!! That was my problem at first... I was amazed I had done the left side  but had to take Panda back in for her to show me again how to do the right using my right hand. Now... I'm not really sure what made it so difficult.  |
I have to say, I have been reading this thread, and , I am glad I'm NOT able to raise my hand as an expert.  |
| Thanks for all the information. I'm definitely looking to avoid surgery if at all possible. It sounds like it's not that hard to learn, and I'm not particularly squeamish, so I think I'd do just fine. (I once dogsat for a friend, and discovered a large lump on the dog...I took him in for surgery with our vet....He knows us so well that they didn't even ASK about the owner's consent. I threw in a teeth cleaning for him as an early Christmas present, too. Hey, he spent a month with us and we had to breathe! Anyway, once they removed the cyst (I was in the room during the procedure.) I got to cut it open to see what was inside. It was a large sebaceous cyst...nothing to worry about. I'm not easily grossed out. I watched Theeper's TPLO as well. I'm told I was the first pet owner to not flip out during the drilling portion.) I think anal glands won't be too hard to learn. You guys have given me confidence! And I agree that Rudy will probably do much better getting them done at home. Right now he sits and holds his eye open for drops, loves baths, brings us the brush, and will hold his paw out for toenail clipping. There is no such thing as bad attention in that dog's book! Thanks again! |
Quote: I got to cut it open to see what was inside. It was a large sebaceous cyst...nothing to worry about. I'm not easily grossed out. I watched Theeper's TPLO as well. I'm told I was the first pet owner to not flip out during the drilling portion.) I think anal glands won't be too hard to learn. You guys have given me confidence! Our anal gland achievements pale in comparison to what you just shared.  You'll do just fine! |
| Thank Goodness Thats one issue Frankie doesn't have. Knock on wood. Our pyrs used to have it done often. I'll never forget the first time Troy took Auggie in to have is expelled. The vet did it, asked Troy if he wanted to learn, took his gloved hand and put it right in Troys Face. Now mind you Troy is a gagger. He about heaved on the vet. Wish I was there, but hearing him tell it was funny enough. Lisa and Frankie |
| I've had just one time anal gland issue when brie was a pupper, the vet did it Now any problems in the future I am going to leave what ever dog over at mims for a squeeze Actually if it is an ongoing problem better to learn and do ones-self. My one and only time I deserted the vet and left him too it to SQUEEZE and express The smell sent me running, mim watch out you may be needed in the future if THAT ever happens again, I will drop off and pick up MUCH later after   You are experienced so I leave it too you to do if ever needed again |
6Girls wrote: Oh, man... it would have been easier doing the right side with my left hand!! That was my problem at first... I was amazed I had done the left side but had to take Panda back in for her to show me again how to do the right using my right hand. Now... I'm not really sure what made it so difficult. If you express the right side with your right hand you have to turn your whole arm around thumb down, to get your hand in the correct orientation. Not hard really just awkward until you get the hang of it. It really helps to orient yourself at an angle to the back of the dog then too. |
| It takes true dog lovers to discuss the art of expressing anal glands! |
6Girls wrote: It takes true dog lovers to discuss the art of expressing anal glands! You're not kidding!!! When I phone Lisa's hubby has jokingly called me "one of the mad dog people". And speaking for myself he's probably not far off the mark. |
Valerie wrote: I agree with Jaci that it is something you can learn to do. Maggie has issues with one of hers -- it is big and floppy and does not drain properly despite having firm stool. So she needs hers expressed at least once a month and I find it really annoying to make time for that and often delay, to her great discomfort. I've asked a few vets about the surgery and they all recommend against it if it is a situation that can be managed without surgery. This is because there are tons of nerves down there and a not insubstantial risk that the dog could become incontinent in a way that could not be managed. Old-age incontinence I can handle. Incontinence because I wanted a surgery so as to make my life a little more convenient would, I think, kill me with guilt and frustration. So I too have been thinking that this is simply something that I will need to learn to do. . . Well, following up on this post, the situation for Maggie deteriorated to the point where even the Vets were having a hard time expressing Maggie's defective gland because it was floppy like a water balloon. It would fill up within a couple of weeks after having it expressed and she was always biting at the area, to no avail. So my Vet ultimately recommended that I have it removed. It had gotten beyond the point of management. She had the surgery last week. I was nervous but the Vet had alot of experience and he was very careful not to nick any nerves. It was a huge relief to me when Maggie came home and went outside to relieve herself (no fecal incontinence!). The recovery period was 10 days in which I had to keep her on leash walks, in the cone, with soft stool and a warm compress several times per day to keep the area clean. Soft stool was easy -- I just switched her back to kibble instead of raw. It healed beautifully and it is a great relief to me not to see her desperately chewing back there. She got her stitches out today and is a very happy dog. Henry was elated to have his playmate back at the dogpark with him.  |
| Poor baby. But that's wonderful news that the surgery was successful and she/you won't have to deal with it anymore! Hugs to Maggie |
I've wanted to learn how to do this. Neither Oliver or Lucy have problems, but it just seems like something I need to know how to do. Jaci, any chance you can make a nice little pictorial on how to do it next time?  |
I think Sheepieboss posted a link not that long ago....but I can't remember where it was...  And that is super great news for Maggie!! |
jcc9797 wrote: Jaci, any chance you can make a nice little pictorial on how to do it next time? It's so nice to feel needed. I think it's best to have a vet or vet tech show you how to do it the first time or if your dog has any issues. But... there is a video on HowCast.com. Remember the topic and understand it's not be suitable for all viewers. GROSS ALERT (don't say you weren't warned )http://www.howcast.com/videos/19771-Ana ... press-Them |
got sheep wrote: I think Sheepieboss posted a link not that long ago....but I can't remember where it was... Ooops, I must have missed it. Thanks Dawn! 6Girls wrote: I think it's best to have a vet or vet tech show you how to do it the first time or if your dog has any issues. But... there is a video on HowCast.com. Remember the topic and understand it's not be suitable for all viewers. GROSS ALERT (don't say you weren't warned )http://www.howcast.com/videos/19771-Ana ... press-Them Thanks Jaci! I've never actually even seen this done...amazing what the excretions looked like. Why was the dog's so watery and the cat's paste-like? What influences the excretion's consistancy? We thankfully don't have any anal gland issues (knock on wood). I am going to have my vet show me how to do it next time we're there though. I'm sure if I tried this at home I'd get a few scouls, a grumble, then the "okay, let's get this over with" face .I did not mean to hi-jack this thread...so sorry! |
jcc9797 wrote: I am going to have my vet show me how to do it next time we're there though. I'm sure if I tried this at home I'd get a few scouls, a grumble, then the "okay, let's get this over with" face .I did not mean to hi-jack this thread...so sorry! Be careful! Not every dog needs it because their glands express normally through the pressure of the bowel movement. Maggie's one gland works perfectly fine and is always empty. Henry's both work properly. My Vet thinks there is some risk of infection to doing it wrong, partial empty, or emptying when not needed. My understanding is that it is not a necessary part of routine maintenance like nails or ears, etc. So if you are not having problems back there, perhaps leave it alone. If you have a history of needing to have them expressed by the Vet then it is perhaps worth learning how to do on your own. |
| Good to know, thanks Valerie...I'll still have him show me how to do it though...I just want to know. Weird, I know, but I'm a very curious person. |
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