Dog's anal glands (sorry not a pleasant post) !

[slinkycat]

My dog has "scooted" along the ground a few times recently, he doesn't seem particularly smelly, should I be worried about his anal glands, and what are the signs to look out for?

[craft1948]

have you wormed him lately?

[shooty]

sounds like worms (bob martins tablets are good)

[slinkycat]

Yep regularly wormed

[andy-hughes]

He may have a blocked anal gland.

Pop him down to the vets, and ask the vet to let you watch while he unblcoks the gland - it involves pressure on the gland, and does not hurt the dog.

Once you have seen it done, you will be able to do it yourself (on the dog that is!) if the condition comes back - some dogs are prone to this.

[craft1948]

It pongs...................

[slinkycat]

Yes I've heard its a bit smelly:( may be a silly question but is it at all visible if a dog has "full" anal glands?

[jules77]

The anal glands may appear swollen, and when he scoots along the floor he may leave behind a discharge. If his stools are loose that could be why his anal glands are not emptying properly.

[kia cat]

It's more than just smelly, my small westie - when he was "expressed" at the vet's filled a room with the aroma. This article is the best I've read,

http://www.dfordog.co...uknow_anal_glands.htm

I'm not confident enough to do my Rotty's. Sometimes it's to do with diet as a normal solid-ish poo wil help empty them. Good luck!

[SMP]

As well as the dragging his bottom along the floor he might be licking or chewing around his bottom a lot. I would suggest getting him checked at the vets as anal glands can be awkward to empty. Also might require an antibiotic or anti inflammatory injection.
SMP (ex vet nurse)

[lankeela]

If you have a grooming parlour near you they may do it for you cheaper than having a vets appointment, but some dogs have deep seated anal glands that the vet has to empty. Sometimes they can become impacted and cause problems, and have to be removed surgically.

[lankeela]

In case you need more info:

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/anal_sacs.html

Enjoy!

[slinkycat]

Thanks Lankeela.....I think:(
Makes you wonder at what stage of domestication an owner thought "ok, I have a lovely tame obedient animal but with a rear end problem, thats ok, I'll just squeeze his arse and see what happens"

[micmak]

Now I know one of the reasons I don't want a dog.

[slinkycat]

mikmak they repay you in so many ways, I'm a first time dog owner and I can't begin to tell you how rewarding it is, and this from a previous ( and current) cat lover!

[chaptazbru]

And not all dogs have anal gland trouble anyway.