gross smell

[noodle]

OK - hopefully this isn't too naive or weird... Becka has had an absolutely disgusting smell coming from her anus the past few days. We gave her a bath and tried to really scrub the fur around that area, but today it still really smells - we'll get a whiff of it almost every time she passes by. Now, obviously we realize she poops out of this area, but we've never smelled this before. It doesn't smell like her farts, nor does it smell like her poop. Any ideas? Should we be concerned (or just embarrassed for asking the question??)? Thanks...

[AngelBunny]

noodle:

Take Becka to her vet. Her anal glands may be impacted or infected. At her annual exam, you should ask her vet to express Becka's anal glands. You could ask your vet to show you how to do this.

[spoiled_rott]

Sounds like fun, I wonder how often you have to express these glands? I hope my puppy never has this problem but I guess you do what has to be done. ;)

[RottiMomCT]

The dog usually express their anal glands on their own, each time they poop. Sometimes, depending on the dogs diet and other factors, the glands become impacted and must be 'manually' expressed.

Believe me, it's NOT fun. One of our dogs had to have surgery to repair a ruptured anal gland and what was coming out was NASTY Ruptured right next to her anus and to be honest, it was the consistency of cold molasses...really dark brown and sticky gross. Of course, me being the 'brave one' puts on the rubber gloves (hubby is an EMT, there's always gloves around the house) and 'checks it out' and wipes it up a bit for her, but it was clearly not something we cold solve at home.

Off to the vet...$400 in surgery and boarding costs later, she came home with one of those god awful lampshade collars to keep her away from her butt :), her butt was shaved, red, irritated and stitched back together...yuck!

Now, once a month, *I* am the lucky one that listened to the darn vet and learned how to express those darn things :D so I get to do it. She's not even my dog for crying out loud...she belongs to my brother in law - he says "I'm not doing that - how nasty!" FYI - he's an EMT as well - I'm CERTAIN he's seen worse :p

So, in closing :) take her to the vet - MUCH easier to have him 'clean 'em out' than have it rupture and be oozing all over the rugs, furniture, YOU, and have the dog need surgery. Painted a pretty picture, didn't I? :D

Let us know how the trip to the vet goes. :D

[Miabella]

Expressing the anal glands is gross, but it's really not that hard. I just did it Sunday night for my Beagle because he was starting to smell a little rank. I usually do it right before he gets a bath, every 2 or 3 months or when he's feeling not so fresh. Check out this hilarious page with animated descriptions of how to express your dog's anal glands.

[noodle]

OH MY GOD! I don't know whether to laugh or cry!! If she wasn't the cutest thing in the whole world I'd say she was more work than she's worth... Of course everytime I get a kiss I know that's not true.

Thanks for the help - I'm calling the vet right now.

[Barbara Surplus]

Originally posted by noodle

...I'm calling the vet right now.

They're usually pretty delighted to show the owner how to do this without veterinary assistance. You will soon know why. :D
Barbara

[noodle]

That's exactly what it was! One gland was infected, too, so now she's on antibiotics for 14 days... I swear, that girl has been on more drugs than any other dog I know!

Not to be too graphic, but I was literally gagging when the vet was emptying her glands. The smell was out of control! I pray that we never have to experience this again. Poor ol' Becka, though - she was the biggest sweetheart. Just laid on her back while we scratched her tummy and the vet went to work.

[whitney greenway]

It is some NASTY stuff, isn't it?

I have had to express one of my dogs in the past.

GROSS and foul, but had to be done.

My vet taught me how to do it, hope that I never have to ever again!

[rottie597]

My not-weiler "expressed" herself on my dress during a roadtrip to meet my in-laws!! Talk about an inauspicious beginning;)

[Barbara Surplus]

Be sure to give her some pro-biotics during her recovery time. The antibiotics will kill all the healthy flora in her body as well so if you can give her some acidophilous/bifidus capsules three times a day (hidden in a small chunk of cheese or meat works great), or sprinkle the powder over her food, it will really aid in her recovery.
Barbara

[noodle]

Can you get that at pet stores? What brands, etc. should I look for?

[Barbara Surplus]

Originally posted by noodle
Can you get that at pet stores? What brands, etc. should I look for?

You can get animal probiotics at pet stores - Wysong makes a particularly good one which includes a whole bunch of things...sorry, it's been a while since I've used it but, at the time, I was very impressed with the ingredients...or you can get acid/bif capsules at just about any health food store (for humans). They are completely benign and will not react adversely with anything but will greatly improve digestion and help to maintain a healthy gut (therefore keeping your dog healthy ;) ).
Barbara

[noodle]

Thanks - my pet store sells Wysong so I'll swing by on the way home.

[Barbara Surplus]

Great idea!
Barbara