vaginal odor

[tvanderwall]

Maybe twice a year Cheyenne will get this awful odor from her vaginal area, it will last maybe a week and then go away.... well it is back again and I am wondering if I should keep just letting it go away on its own or take her to the vet. If she has a discharge it is very little or she is just very good at keeping herself clean. She was fixed this past December and I had hoped that it wouldn't come back after that but it did. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Burnsway]

Is she fixed? Could be from a heat cycle. Also if she is not fixed pyometra(sp?) can set in and is smelly and very deadly left untreated(happens fast too). Could also just be urinary infections. I wouldn't wait around and take her in.Could be serious.

[tvanderwall]

she has been fixed, the past December, she has had these spells both before and after being fixed

[Bruce Lanthier]

Are you sure it isn't her anal glands? An awful fishy like odor could just mean her anal glands need to be expressed. My understanding is that good solid poops help keep the anal glands expressed. Has she had diarrhea recently? Soft stools over a period of time?

[tvanderwall]

None of the above, she is a very regular pooping (solid poop that is) machine, but it is an awful fishy smell so do you think it is the anal glads or a vaginal infection

[Bruce Lanthier]

I would go with the anal glands for now. A groomer or your Vet should be able to show you how to check them and express them if need be.
Do you see her dragging her butt across the floor(rug) or grass? Does she lick back there a lot?

[tvanderwall]

she does not drag her butt across the floor or anything even close to that behavior but as far as licking, it seems as though when she has a discharge she will lick herself or the spot that has the leakage on it to death

[Bruce Lanthier]

Well, maybe her glands just need a little "maintenance" and she is performing it. If it really seems to begin to bother her or doesn't seem to go away a Vet appointment may be necessary.

[Brooke&Ryan]

Originally Posted by tvanderwall

but it is an awful fishy smell

I would bet that it's anal glands. They have the most horrible fishy smell...but you might want to double check with the vet. Impacted anal glands are not fun for the dog....

[tvanderwall]

well I just read the thread on extracting anal glands and boy did I learn alot, I do believe this is what she has , but I am not intereted in doing this procedure myself so.... I will be calling my vet to let her have the honors , I'll just watch and learn

Thank you guys for all of your input and help, I am learning!!!!

[Burnsway]

Originally Posted by tvanderwall

but I am not intereted in doing this procedure myself so....

Vets could probably charge 100 bucks to do this and many of us would pay it.............. But your lucky, most vets do it pretty inexpensive........

[laurlitt]

Originally Posted by Burnsway

Vets could probably charge 100 bucks to do this and many of us would pay it.............. But your lucky, most vets do it pretty inexpensive........

I agree... YUCKY.... but I am lucky that my husband will do the dirty work when needed... lucky our biggest offender hasn't had the problem in a long while (raw diet has helped a lot!)....

[BostonRott]

Originally Posted by tvanderwall

well I just read the thread on extracting anal glands and boy did I learn alot, I do believe this is what she has , but I am not intereted in doing this procedure myself so.... I will be calling my vet to let her have the honors , I'll just watch and learn

Thank you guys for all of your input and help, I am learning!!!!

Just be sure you step out of the room when they do it!! P U!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SonnyRott]

Originally Posted by BostonRott

Just be sure you step out of the room when they do it!! P U!!!!!!!!!!!!

The couple of times that I have had to do it, it was either in the garage or outside. Pee-UUU

[tvanderwall]

I have to laugh at the PU comments, and I guess I can laugh now because I have never experienced this as you have but after it is done I am sure I will be with you guys on saying P U and stay away Thanks for all of your advise.