Anal gland question

**Range** · 08-09-2007, 10:12 AM

So, I know that some dogs have to have their anal glands expressed. However, I did think it was only like once a year.

Cassidy is a toy poodle on the larger side. She had hers expressed when she was three months old and I just had to have them done again. The vet said there was some blood, but he wasn't overly concerned. Then, she threw up on the way home!

Is this something I should be concerned about? And, no, sorry, don't trust the vet!

oveywon · 08-09-2007, 10:29 AM

.....

GodsGifts · 08-09-2007, 10:31 AM

Ok...before I start I am in NO WAY a Vet! But I do have experience in this issue(yes I know...a very sad truth)

Whoever said Anal Glands needed to be expressed once a year was full of sh*t. Saying that, not every dog needs it done manually. Most can do it themselves when they perform a bowel movement. I have 5 dogs...2 of them need ME to expresse their anal glands. My female chihuahua needs it done every 2weeks. My male doesn't need it done as often but I do it at the same time.
NOW...if you say you don't trust your Vet then one thing you need to do is find another Vet. It's no good if you don't trust your Vet opinion. STORY: I thought my dog had an ear infection AND a urinary Tract Infection. The Vet said no he didn't. Working in a Vet clinic I knew better(you can't come to that kind of answer without tests), So i grabbed one of my co-workers and we did the tests...and guess what! I was right he had both. Needless to say that Vet does not look after my animals anymore. So find someone else or get a 2nd opinion.

From my experience when there is a little blood in the anal gland that raises a red flag of INFECTION!! From what I've seen your dog should be put on A.Bs

I would have your dogs anals check frequently. Tell tale signs they need to be done: Rubbing bum on floor, biting at back end/tail, not going for #2 or has diarrhea or straining. USUALLY they should be checked every 3-4weeks.

If not done you could get an infection or an Abcess(which is very painful)

I hope that helps a little but I would change Vets.

texgirl · 08-09-2007, 10:36 AM

I worked at a vet clinic and some dogs had to come in once about every 2 weeks to have theirs expressed. The glands are expressed when they go to the bathroom and for whatever reason, some dogs can't express them as well as others, and if they get too full, they can get really irritated.

Anal glands (and tapeworms) are a reason your dog may "scoot" on the floor. I have seen infected ones--which abcess and rupture. The dogs appear to have a hole about an inch from their "hole" (for lack of a better word). The anal glands are located at about 5 and 7 o'clock (positions on the clock) if you are looking straight on.

I have a fat Beagle that I have to express about once or twice a month--otherwise he acts like there is a pepper up there, and rubs on rugs and then I end up with the NASTY stuff all over everything.

If your dog is groomed on a regular basis, groomers generally express the anal glands each time they are groomed.

The blood may be from the gland just being sueezed. I would not think the vomitting had anything to do with her rear end, only that it may have stressed her to have been "expressed".

Hope that helps!

bunnyal · 08-09-2007, 11:35 AM

Each dog is different. Alot of times the less active dogs need them done more often. Any sign of blood is a red flag. If you don't trust your vet find another one. The throwing up in the car may have been nerves. If she continues after the car ride is over then be concerned. You don't want her getting dehydrated. For your peace of mind find another vet if you don't trust this one.

doyle82 · 08-09-2007, 11:44 AM

Thankfully I've never owned a dog that needed this done!

But, my BO's Aussie needs it done all the time.
I would be concerned about the blood and have it looked into

APHANutmeg · 08-09-2007, 12:10 PM

I am a certified vet tech and when I was working at the vets, (I don't now do to a back injury), anytime there was ANY blood seen in an anal expression the vet put the dog on antibiotics. Those little glands are one of the easiest areas on a dog for infection to grow (great breeding ground for the bacteria).
I have a dog that I usually have to express about every 2-3 weeks because of the material that comes out, very gritty(looks like cottage cheese

)---this is normal for him and he has been on antibiotics twice for infections that were caught early(I noticed a change in color,thickness), so I would get a second opinion on your pooch before it develops into something much worse and painful.

**Range** · 08-09-2007, 12:24 PM

To be honest, I don't trust any vets in the area...not one single one. It's a very long story, but suffice it to say that I "make do".

She's not quite 6 months old and is VERY active!

**muttduck** · 08-09-2007, 01:13 PM

Range, knowing your history with your local vets, I can't blame you.

Since your vets stink, and you are left with no alternative vets to try... if you have a trusted groomer, you can ask them to show you how to express them yourself. It's not hard, just gross. Easiest time to do it is bath time, so you can shampoo away the yucks and the smell..

As mentioned above, if the rectum was the center of a clock, the two glands would be at 5 and 7. Good signs of needing it would be an odor from the back half of the dog, scooting, or seeing that they are swollen. Or, you can just do it with each bath as part of the routine, as long as you do it right, it won't cause problems, and really, it's not that hard.

As for blood coming from the expression of the glands - that's not typical, and you may want to watch her temperature for fever, and watch for other signs of an infection. Antibiotics would be great if you can get them.

The vomitting most likely had nothing to do with the anal glands - but I wouldn't rule it out completely if she did have an infection of some kind.

Carri · 08-09-2007, 03:52 PM

Range, sorry you are having problems again...
We do anal glands as a routine part of the vet practice I work for, and there is a special way you have to do it, from inside to really empty them... ICK! Most groomers (not all) squeeze from the outside, so they don't really get it out.
One thing that really helps dogs with consistent anal gland problems is to eat lots of fiber- It firms up their stool, and as they have to push to get it out, they "express" their anal glands themselves. Oatmeal mixed with a little peanut butter is a good way to accomplish this, or whole wheat bread. Usually it is best to feed them a little daily.

joustinggirl · 08-09-2007, 07:30 PM

Actually, some dogs only need it done once a year, some never and some every 2 weeks. Just depends. And if the dog spends time licking that yummy smelling, bacteria laden stuff, it can cause inflammation of the tonsils and some dogs will vomit. Is that why she vomited in the car, probably not. Was probably the stress of the trip. Could it have been from the butt juice. Sure.

Majolica · 08-10-2007, 11:27 PM

Every dog is different. Some need it done more often, and some never need it done. In fact I have never had a dog that needed it. But I do know that dogs that get it done regularly, (for example, at the groomers) can come to depend on it, and if it stops, that in itself can cause problems. But some dogs just have problems to begin with that require it. Personally, I wouldn't do it to my own dogs unless they needed it. I would find a different vet that you DO trust and have him look at it. The vomiting probably had nothing to do with anal glands. And I will say, we had a Cocker Spaniel come in to work (I work at a groomers) that ALWAYS had blood and puss in his anal glands. That was just normal for him, as disturbing as it was. He was ancient and had numerous health problems, but his anal glands had apparently been that way for something like 4-5 years.

paige11777 · 08-10-2007, 11:42 PM

I agree, blood is NOT normal. I have one dog, a hound, who needs his done regularly. His have a tendency to get impacted and have abcessed twice, which is awful and supposedly very painful for the dog. If the glands don't express themselves normally during BMs, then the fluid can get thick and chunky and difficult to express. When the vet does my other dog, a border collie, her fluid is clear and thin. The hound's is always thick, like pudding, and smells like battery acid. Doing it regularly is a lot cheaper than having abcesses and then dealing with emergency visits, antibiotics, and painkillers. Incidentally, the vet says the glands feel like grapes, and they do it with a glove, some KY, and a finger.

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08-09-2007, 10:12 AM
Range Super Moderator Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Back of Beyond Posts: 5,898	Anal gland question So, I know that some dogs have to have their anal glands expressed. However, I did think it was only like once a year. Cassidy is a toy poodle on the larger side. She had hers expressed when she was three months old and I just had to have them done again. The vet said there was some blood, but he wasn't overly concerned. Then, she threw up on the way home! Is this something I should be concerned about? And, no, sorry, don't trust the vet! __________________ If it harms none, do what you will.

08-09-2007, 10:29 AM
oveywon Started Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 2,167	..... Last edited by oveywon : 01-16-2008 at 08:05 AM.

08-09-2007, 10:31 AM
GodsGifts Weanling Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Ontario Posts: 296	Ok...before I start I am in NO WAY a Vet! But I do have experience in this issue(yes I know...a very sad truth) Whoever said Anal Glands needed to be expressed once a year was full of sh*t. Saying that, not every dog needs it done manually. Most can do it themselves when they perform a bowel movement. I have 5 dogs...2 of them need ME to expresse their anal glands. My female chihuahua needs it done every 2weeks. My male doesn't need it done as often but I do it at the same time. NOW...if you say you don't trust your Vet then one thing you need to do is find another Vet. It's no good if you don't trust your Vet opinion. STORY: I thought my dog had an ear infection AND a urinary Tract Infection. The Vet said no he didn't. Working in a Vet clinic I knew better(you can't come to that kind of answer without tests), So i grabbed one of my co-workers and we did the tests...and guess what! I was right he had both. Needless to say that Vet does not look after my animals anymore. So find someone else or get a 2nd opinion. From my experience when there is a little blood in the anal gland that raises a red flag of INFECTION!! From what I've seen your dog should be put on A.Bs I would have your dogs anals check frequently. Tell tale signs they need to be done: Rubbing bum on floor, biting at back end/tail, not going for #2 or has diarrhea or straining. USUALLY they should be checked every 3-4weeks. If not done you could get an infection or an Abcess(which is very painful) I hope that helps a little but I would change Vets. __________________ Animals Are Family We Choose For Ourselves

08-09-2007, 10:36 AM
texgirl Weanling Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: College Station, Texas WHOOP! Posts: 226	I worked at a vet clinic and some dogs had to come in once about every 2 weeks to have theirs expressed. The glands are expressed when they go to the bathroom and for whatever reason, some dogs can't express them as well as others, and if they get too full, they can get really irritated. Anal glands (and tapeworms) are a reason your dog may "scoot" on the floor. I have seen infected ones--which abcess and rupture. The dogs appear to have a hole about an inch from their "hole" (for lack of a better word). The anal glands are located at about 5 and 7 o'clock (positions on the clock) if you are looking straight on. I have a fat Beagle that I have to express about once or twice a month--otherwise he acts like there is a pepper up there, and rubs on rugs and then I end up with the NASTY stuff all over everything. If your dog is groomed on a regular basis, groomers generally express the anal glands each time they are groomed. The blood may be from the gland just being sueezed. I would not think the vomitting had anything to do with her rear end, only that it may have stressed her to have been "expressed". Hope that helps! Last edited by texgirl : 08-09-2007 at 10:44 AM.

08-09-2007, 11:35 AM
bunnyal Yearling Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Pasco County, Florida Posts: 837	Anal gland question Each dog is different. Alot of times the less active dogs need them done more often. Any sign of blood is a red flag. If you don't trust your vet find another one. The throwing up in the car may have been nerves. If she continues after the car ride is over then be concerned. You don't want her getting dehydrated. For your peace of mind find another vet if you don't trust this one.

08-09-2007, 11:44 AM
doyle82 Coming two Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: MA Posts: 1,743	Thankfully I've never owned a dog that needed this done! But, my BO's Aussie needs it done all the time. I would be concerned about the blood and have it looked into __________________ â€œThe wind of heaven is that which blows between a horses ears.â€

08-09-2007, 12:10 PM
APHANutmeg Yearling Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Eastern PA Posts: 682	I am a certified vet tech and when I was working at the vets, (I don't now do to a back injury), anytime there was ANY blood seen in an anal expression the vet put the dog on antibiotics. Those little glands are one of the easiest areas on a dog for infection to grow (great breeding ground for the bacteria). I have a dog that I usually have to express about every 2-3 weeks because of the material that comes out, very gritty(looks like cottage cheese)---this is normal for him and he has been on antibiotics twice for infections that were caught early(I noticed a change in color,thickness), so I would get a second opinion on your pooch before it develops into something much worse and painful.

08-09-2007, 12:24 PM
Range Super Moderator Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Back of Beyond Posts: 5,898	To be honest, I don't trust any vets in the area...not one single one. It's a very long story, but suffice it to say that I "make do". She's not quite 6 months old and is VERY active! __________________ If it harms none, do what you will.

08-09-2007, 01:13 PM
muttduck Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 6,233	Range, knowing your history with your local vets, I can't blame you. Since your vets stink, and you are left with no alternative vets to try... if you have a trusted groomer, you can ask them to show you how to express them yourself. It's not hard, just gross. Easiest time to do it is bath time, so you can shampoo away the yucks and the smell.. As mentioned above, if the rectum was the center of a clock, the two glands would be at 5 and 7. Good signs of needing it would be an odor from the back half of the dog, scooting, or seeing that they are swollen. Or, you can just do it with each bath as part of the routine, as long as you do it right, it won't cause problems, and really, it's not that hard. As for blood coming from the expression of the glands - that's not typical, and you may want to watch her temperature for fever, and watch for other signs of an infection. Antibiotics would be great if you can get them. The vomitting most likely had nothing to do with the anal glands - but I wouldn't rule it out completely if she did have an infection of some kind. __________________ www.woodburnedpetportraits.com www.animalgalleryphotography.com

08-09-2007, 03:52 PM
Carri Bombproof Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Alpharetta, Georgia Posts: 10,620	Range, sorry you are having problems again... We do anal glands as a routine part of the vet practice I work for, and there is a special way you have to do it, from inside to really empty them... ICK! Most groomers (not all) squeeze from the outside, so they don't really get it out. One thing that really helps dogs with consistent anal gland problems is to eat lots of fiber- It firms up their stool, and as they have to push to get it out, they "express" their anal glands themselves. Oatmeal mixed with a little peanut butter is a good way to accomplish this, or whole wheat bread. Usually it is best to feed them a little daily. __________________

08-09-2007, 07:30 PM
joustinggirl Greenbroke Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Boones Mill, Virgina Posts: 3,395	Actually, some dogs only need it done once a year, some never and some every 2 weeks. Just depends. And if the dog spends time licking that yummy smelling, bacteria laden stuff, it can cause inflammation of the tonsils and some dogs will vomit. Is that why she vomited in the car, probably not. Was probably the stress of the trip. Could it have been from the butt juice. Sure. __________________ Pink Tiger says \'Grrrrrr\'

08-10-2007, 11:27 PM
Majolica Halter broke Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 51	Every dog is different. Some need it done more often, and some never need it done. In fact I have never had a dog that needed it. But I do know that dogs that get it done regularly, (for example, at the groomers) can come to depend on it, and if it stops, that in itself can cause problems. But some dogs just have problems to begin with that require it. Personally, I wouldn't do it to my own dogs unless they needed it. I would find a different vet that you DO trust and have him look at it. The vomiting probably had nothing to do with anal glands. And I will say, we had a Cocker Spaniel come in to work (I work at a groomers) that ALWAYS had blood and puss in his anal glands. That was just normal for him, as disturbing as it was. He was ancient and had numerous health problems, but his anal glands had apparently been that way for something like 4-5 years.

08-10-2007, 11:42 PM
paige11777 Halter broke Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Montana Posts: 66	I agree, blood is NOT normal. I have one dog, a hound, who needs his done regularly. His have a tendency to get impacted and have abcessed twice, which is awful and supposedly very painful for the dog. If the glands don't express themselves normally during BMs, then the fluid can get thick and chunky and difficult to express. When the vet does my other dog, a border collie, her fluid is clear and thin. The hound's is always thick, like pudding, and smells like battery acid. Doing it regularly is a lot cheaper than having abcesses and then dealing with emergency visits, antibiotics, and painkillers. Incidentally, the vet says the glands feel like grapes, and they do it with a glove, some KY, and a finger.