ANAL GLANDS

[manitwo]

I have never had a problem before with my dogs AnalGlands,but recently they have both started to (scoot) and i have discovered they both need their glands expressed.
How often is it safe to do this?. They are aged 9 and 11 and are very good about this.
However i dont want to bring on any further problems by doing this to often .Would appreciate and advice,thank you.
Shirley,Mimi and Badge.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Shirley, I don't know much about this either as I've never had a dog that required that their anal glands be expressed. Mine still "scoot" once in a while, but they always pass their Vet checks, and I made a point of asking about this due to RJM's situation.

RJM had trouble with one of her dogs and ultimately had to have the glands removed. It was serious though, as I think he was leaving marks, and was experiencing a great deal of discomfort. I really would refer to your Vet on this. If they are 9 and 11, and have NEVER needed it before, it begs the question why now?

Some Groomers do it by rote. I don't know if they all do and it is something I will ask about next time.

This is a matter on which I would consult the Vet.

[manitwo]

Thank you Deb for your advice.
Yes it is very strange ,as i have had many dogs of various breeds during my life,and have never come across this problem before.
I will also try adding a little Psyllium to their dinner.in case they need more fibre in their diet..
Will let you know how things progress.Shirley,Mimi and Badge

[1dog1cat]

Anal glands are the worst thing about dogs!! Am sorry to hear about your doggies.
My girl has had some issues with anal glands as well. My vet suggested canned pumpkin added to her diet to add fiber.
Your doggies may like the taste of that over pysillum.
Just an idea. Good luck to you and your pups!

[nezza]

Anal glands are yucky. They are even yuckier to express! Having been a vet tech for a number of years, i have done this more times than i can count. Normally, dogs will express their anal glands naturally. When they can not, they start to scoot. Once you express a dogs' anal glands (at the vet or yourself)...you will most always have to continue to have it done. It's very common. How often, depends on the dog. At the animal hospital, my vets always gave the owner the option of learning how to do this simple procedure themselves. If you're not afraid to learn, ask your vet to show you.

http://vetmedicine.about.com/od/veterinaryqa/a/Anal-Sacs-and-Scooting.htm

[manitwo]

Thank you all for your advice .I cant get tinned pumpkin here in Australia ,so will try Oatbran in place of Psyllium and grated raw carrot for extra fibre.
I feel it is their diets causing this problem.
Will see how they progress and will of course pay the vet a visit if the condition doesent improve.
Will let you know how they go. Shirley,Mim and Badge.

[manitwo]

An update on my dogs ANAL GLANDS problem.
I thought i would try a change to their diet before paying out alot of money to the vet.
I add half a teaspoon of OATBRAN ,one PRUNE and finely grated carrot ,half a teaspoon to their normal diet.
They are only small dogs ,6kg and 5kg.
Well we have noticed a big change ,no scooting and nothing in their ANALGLANDS.
I understand this may not work for all dogs but it has certainly worked for Mim and Badge. Shirley.

[kian]

That's great!!

[manitwo]

Up date on my dogs Anal Glands .
It is 2 months since I added the Oatbran Prunes and grated carrot to their diet and all is going well with them.
No skating ,and they seem much happier pups.
Seems to be working well for them. Shirley.

[vandalsmom]

Fiber does help. If you cannot buy canned pumpkin in your area and have a little plot of land you can easily buy pumpkin seeds online and grow your own. They are easy to grow if you have enough hot weather. They are large so even one when cooked and frozen in small containers would keep any dog in fiber for some time. They love the taste. Cooked celery is also full of fiber and probably readily available. It is a convenience to have fiber for them and a vegetable for your own dinner at the same time. Hope this helps.

[manitwo]

Thanks for the advice everybody .
I honestly didn't know your tinned pumpkin was the same veg as the pumpkin we freely grow here in Australia.
Will try my pups on it and see how they go.
They do like their veg ,especially little Badge who will anything ,good or bad.
Shirley.