Anal Glands...warning TMI

[Lambie]

Hi,

As I sit here my cattle dog Rusty is sitting at my feet licking the living daylights out of his bum, and it smells like fish. Which can only mean that his anal glands are blocked, again. He's been having this problem for over a year now and it seems we need to get them cleared by the vet every 3-4months.

Does anyone know what causes it, and if there are any precautions that can be taken? I'm also interested in hearing from anyone who knows how to clear them and if they recommend the owners doing it, or suggest we keep taking him to the vet!

[JnA]

I used to have to do this to my first dog. It's gross, but quite easy to do. Ask the vet to show you how..

[Mum2Tyla]

Hi,
I am vet nurse, it is easy to do but most people pay a vet to do it as it is pretty gross, is your odg overwieght this can sometimes cause it or you can just be unlucky, these questions are gross but i need to ask them are his stools firm or soft, what do you feed him
Kelly:)

[Lambie]

His stools are soft (I tend to find them on the way to the washing line each day:laughing: ). He is on Adult science diet. He probably is a little overweight...this can be a problem hey?

[lovingmotheract]

so how to u do it then so i can do it at home my dog has the same thing and can u get them taking out?

[ziggie]

Poor pooches :(. Can you imagine what they're thinking when they have some dude squeeze their ar$e?!?!?!?! OWWWWIEEEEEE!
My old dog had this prob... Our vet told us there is an operation thay can have to stop it happening if it's too frequent. We didn't end up having to though....

[lovingmotheract]

i was not there the first time he got it but he was happy when he came out i just can't stand him licking his a$$

[Mum2Tyla]

Hi,
there is a surgery that can be done to remove anal glands but it is a last resort if you have a dog that constantly gets anal gland infections as it is not a very nice surgery as you can imagine and it can cause problems so is not done often. It is easy to express anal glands but it is pretty gross so most people get a vet or vet nurse to do it.
kelly:)

[3cherubs]

Our beagle Fred had this when he was around 1.
It was gross and we always seemed to be at the Vets, i refused to stick my fingers anywhere near his bum.:barf:

We got the operation and had them removed, it cost about $400, probably more now as this was 3 years ago.. They say they dogs do not need them anyway.
But, it was well worth the money..:yelclap: :yelclap:

He recovered fine, had the bucket thing around his head. But somehow still managed to have a lick,
bloomin beagle...

[lovingmotheract]

thanks 4 that so how do u express anal glands still?

[Lambie]

Hey Rachel I found this site (http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_anal_sacs.html) with instructions...tired with fingers out, no go...not game to put fingers in...off to the vet we went!!!!!

Might enquire about the surgery next time...might be a go!

[lovingmotheract]

thanks 4 that i will have a look

[lovingmotheract]

it's sick but i will give it a go wish me luck:fingerscrossed: