Whew.... what's that smell? The Anal Gland Issue
Betsy loves, loves, loves to ride in the car -why not, we bought it for her! So we will be driving down the street, no traffic, no excitement whatsoever and suddenly Bets' anal sacs seem to release a bit of fluid. It happened again today, and at least 6 weeks ago, though there could have been another incident in between. And this has been going on since she was a puppy. I've felt around the area and they never seem enlarged nor inflamed. I'm interested in what could possibly be causing this and what I should do to correct it. Any ideas? Or should I just book a vet visit on Monday? Thanks for any advice you offer. |
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| yep, better have the vet figure this one out. |
| I think some dogs do it when they are excited/worried. The anal gland empties a bit when they go to the toilet, or lick themselves. My yorkies just suddenly empties a little bit, never noticed the sheepie doing this though. Whey dont you google anal glands and see what it says? |
| Ditto, anal secretions are released when a dog is frightened as well as during bowel movements. They are the dog's version of the skunk anal glad. The anal secretion with the bowel movement is also a good marking device......."my poop, I was here." The glands are located either side of the anus and the 4 and 8 o'clock locations and not normally easily felt. When inflamed they are like little peas....or worse abscesses. Since our dog isn't have abscess problems I doubt you could talk your vet into removing them for your sake..........but if the problem were to continue........  Maybe training to relieve puppies "fear" of the car and strange situations. I realize some dogs relish new situations, but you may have one that doesn't...and the scent glad is called into play. |
| I'd see the vet. Anal glands are yucky, and there could even be a slight infection going on that might make this more of an issue. I took Rudy in to get his checked because of his breath. The tech who answered the phone thought I was nuts...but we never smelled it from his back end, ever. Just an odd, earthy musky breath thing. I guess he was biting at his bum but we never saw it. Sure enough, his were huge and infected. We treated for a while and now we express at home, every three weeks and they are the size of green olives every time. The vet was hoping they'd die down over time, but a year later it's still the same big deal every three weeks. I'd get them checked out. If they are filling a little too much, maybe regular expressing might help. Your vet may have some other advice too. Good luck to you both. It's a really unfortunate problem. |
Oh, I'd definately see the Vet. I don't think its a major serious problem but sounds like the anal glands may need to be released. A vet is the one who should do this UNLESS you are VERY experienced at it and can do yourself  If the anal glads are not released in total, they can get infected and then it is a BIG problem. I used to do my OES anal glands every few weeks as he had a problem releasing on his own. The two I ahve now don't seem to ahve that problem. However, many years ago I owned a Samoyed. Didn't know anything about dogs, none the less anal glands...Poor baby ended up with infected anal glands and needed surgery! So, bottom line is...have the vet release the anal glands and live happily ever after!  |
Ashley wrote: So, bottom line is...have the vet release the anal glands and live happily ever after! Yep it's the "bottom" line alright.  Sorry couldn't resist.  |
| Yeah, I have done an internet search - to no avail. I was hoping someone else here had had this experience. It's the oddest thing as she is in no way stimulated when it happens. Just riding happily in the back seat with the a/c blasting on her. Shades are up on the windows so I know it is not a reaction to something she sees - and she is laying down when it happens. Guess I'm calling her vet. Thanks all! |
Just thought I would follow up. Vet says they can also release when they are calm and relaxed. I kept looking for a trigger. Who knew!  Thanks again! |
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