Anal Glands - Infected - Can I spray w/Silver

[KatMc]

Yesterday I found fresh blood on the carpet, but couldn't tell which dog left it. Last night I found what looked like a puncture mark on Bella by her anus.

Long story short, I took her to the vet this morning and it was infected anal gland. They had to sedate her to clean it out. Said it was the absolut worst case he had ever seen, it was even infected further back, he said his entire finger was in there. He at one time thought it was a tumor further back, until it started expressing as well.

Needless to say she is on antibiotics and warm compresses. My question is, they didn't mention putting anything on the area, which of course is worse now from the flushing.

Can I put anything on there? Should I put an antibiotic cream? Or should I spray with silver, or leave it alone?

I didn't think to ask them when I picked her up.

Thanks,
Kathy

[moondog]

I haven't had to deal with this particular problem, but I do know colloidal silver is a great topical antibiotic, along with the traditional oral antibiotics I'm sure she needs for this. My only thought would be that a cream may be more beneficial because it will help keep the wound open and draining so the infection can heal from the inside out. There may be some creams that use silver as the primary antibiotic, but I haven't looked specifically for that.

I'll be interested to read what others have to recommend.

[rottnkidd]

Kathy - I've emailed a RVT friend of mine. I'm hoping to hear from her tonight. If not, I'll post any info as soon as I receive it, or I'll pm you.
Keep the warm compresses going in the meantime, as that is soothing.
kathy

[RottiMomCT]

Cheyanne (brother n laws rott'n girl) regularly gets anal gland issues - she had surgery to repair a ruptured gland two years ago - WHAT A MESS!

Vet recommended warm compresses twice daily and gave her antibiotics...she hated (but tolerated) the compresses and her 'butt issue' cleared up nicely in about 2 weeks...she now gets regular 'cleansings' by the vet...

[KatMc]

Oh, it's definitely draining Moondog! Good thing I have a carpet shampooer.

I have a colloidal silver spray that I use for lots of things from the dogs to myself.

You and I are pretty well on the same thought process, so I'll see what some of the other's say too.

thanks,
Kathy

[KatMc]

rottnkidd - great, I'll check first thing in the morning to see if you have heard anything yet.

Anne - this caught me off guard, I always thought smaller dogs had this and the vet even said the same thing. If we have to start doing this regularly, Bella better improve her attitude! Although they told me that once I was out of sight, her entire attitude changed and she was such a sweety... (Bella???? ha)

Thanks all,
Kathy

[Miabella]

Aww, poor girl! I'm not medical professional, but my guess would be to keep the warm compresses going for the first 24 hours until you've drawn out most of the infected gunk, and then try a topical colloidal silver.

Poor Bella and POOR KATHY! THis must be a lot of fun for you!

[RottiMomCT]

Well, Cheyanne is a badly bred BYB girl (even though she even has AKC papers she ain't worth the ink used to print 'em)...and the anal gland thing is only one of her troubles.

I think she goes once a month for a squeezing...ewwww.....!!!!!!!1

[KatMc]

Well, Bella is a puppy mill dog - I adopted her from a couple getting a divorce in New York, that the wife left both the husband (I understand that) and the dog (huh?). Bella was supposed to be "her" dog, bought on impulse from a pet store.

She had entrophian surgery a month after I got her, plus I'm pretty sure her hips would never pass anything....

Anyway, she is doing somewhat better, is not crazy about the compresses at all, but is dealing with it. The swelling has gone down and is still oozing some (not too bad though), so I suppose that's a good thing. But boy I hope it's the antibiotics and the pain pills that are making her so... indifferent.

We go back in 2 weeks, the vet said he hopes we don't have to remove the glands...., but I will definitely get a 2nd opinion before I go that route.

Thanks all!
Kathy