Unexpressed Anal Glands

[onyxdad]

Does any body else have a problem with there Rottie's anal glands not emptying on their own. I mean Onyx has chewed away alot of fur on her hind quarter I try to express them to, but is there somethng that can be done? I don't like looking at the decreased hair.

[spidey]

Have you had a vet or groomer teach you how to express them? Trying to do it if you don't know how to do it correctly can cause discomfort and even injury to the dog, so if you're not sure about what you're doing, I strongly suggest you stop doing it and get someone to teach you how to do it properly. If there was anything to express in there, and you were doing it correctly, there shouldn't be any "trying to" about it (unless there's an impaction), you'd know if you'd emptied them, believe me! ;)

It sounds to me as if this dog needs a visit to the vet - that much chewing of her hindquarters says to me that she's in quite a lot of discomfort (chewing of hair isn't just unsightly, it's indicative of a problem which needs medical attention), and the longer you leave it, the worse it will get - impacted anal glands often need surgery to fix. I suggest you take her to the vet, and get him/her to teach you how to empty them while you're there.

Increasing the fibre in the diet can sometimes help (canned pumpkin, NOT the pie mix, just the pumpkin, is what many recommend), as can increasing the amount of exercise. Some dogs, however, just never express them properly, and will need help on a regular basis. Whatever the cause, this dog needs to see the vet, and sooner rather than later. Good luck.

[onyxdad]

thanks for your advise I'll be making a trip to the vet soon. Just moved and am picky about who treats my girl.

[spidey]

Well, I understand picky, but I wouldn't be so picky that your dog has to deal with this for another week. IMO the time to be really choosy about finding the ideal vet is not when the dog is in need of medical attention, which yours is (in my opinion). Any vet can probably manage this problem for you, emptying anal glands isn't a big deal, but impacted anal glands most certainly are. :)

[LORHEL]

Sorry to hear about your dog's plight...from what I have heard, it is much worse, the longer you let it go.... I hope you find a way to either do it for the dog, at home, or maybe this is something you will have to do at the vet's office from time to time...:(

Best of luck, hope your dog feels better soon.....;)

P.S. We do have some good threads regarding this matter here, if you do a search, that may be of more help also.

[LE Wilson]

My beagle had this problem in the past. My vet recommended supplementing her diet with fiber also. Another great alternative to pumpkin, which I use regularly, is the tasteless Metamucil. It seems to alleviate her anal problems. But please, please, do as the others have suggested, and get your dog to the vet before this problem gets any worse. ANY vet can do this for you.

[onyxdad]

Onyx went to the vet today, and yes the glands were full but the vet also attributed a small amont of newly aquired friends (FLEAS) that was also making her itch. Now mind you she is a house dog, and I took her to a dog park 3 days ago, and she's been on 2 doses of Bio spot before this. Guess what company is going to get a nasty gram from me. Now she's on advantage and should be clear in a day or so. The vet i chose was great and body in south west florida looking for a vet contact me and I refer a good one. Keep in touch all.