Everyone knows that stinky fishy smell when your dog needs their glands expressed, or do you?
Contrary to popular belief, while there are dogs that require them to be done on a regular basis, that doesn't mean your dog needs it too.
There are a ton of dogs that go throughout most of their life without complications from anal glands (per my almost decade worth of anecdotal evidence as someone who performs gland expressions externally), and there are some that it's almost like clockwork, every month.
If your dog is able to express their glands on their own, that is perfectly fine! If not, that is when a professional needs to come into play to help.
Just a reminder, that even though groomers can express anal glands externally, that will never replace internal anal gland expressions when they are needed by veterinarians. Some dogs just need a more thorough expression.
https://www.eastsidevet.com/2022/04/25/when-your-main-squeeze-needs-anal-gland-expression/
"Potential Problems
Unfortunately, the sacs that hold the fluid don’t always empty, or the fluid becomes too solid to pass. This is known as impaction, and can become a hotbed for bacteria. This issue starts as minor discomfort but can quickly develop into full-blown infection if the pressure isn’t relieved.
Some animals may experience problems related to the anal glands more than others. Other factors can include obesity, skin infections, allergies, incontinence, skin mites, and hypothyroidism. We can work with you and your pet to get to the bottom of any underlying causes of frequent impaction issues.
Getting Involved
Owners of dogs that scoot their bums on the carpet or upholstery know that anal gland expression is imminent. Pets may also start to lick their rectum more than usual. Other signs include straining or crying when defecating, swelling around the rectum, and blood in the waste. These signs indicate that a pet needs help as soon as possible.
An anal gland infection must be cleaned out and treated with an antibiotic and pain medication. Left alone, a pet could face a ruptured abscess that requires emergency surgery and drainage.
Anal Gland Expression
The basics of anal gland expression involve manually placing pressure on the glands with a gloved finger inserted into the recturm. This process requires gentle handling until the gland is fully emptied. Expressing anal glands internally is usually performed by a veterinary team member whereas groomers usually apply pressure externally.
Frequent or unnecessary attention to this area can actually result in painful inflammation, scarring, and narrowing of the duct. In other words, if your pet isn’t experiencing problems related to their anal glands, don’t go there.
Part of the Puzzle
Anal gland expression may or may not be something you ever have to deal with. But we can assure you, the more you know about it the better. At Eastside Veterinary Associates, our doctors are experts at distinguishing anal gland issues from other problems, and advising of a treatment plan to help your pet."
The more you know.
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