The anal gland saga continues

[ChickensHaveNoEyebrows]

So, just ten days ago Jasper was at the vet because he stank so badly it made me retch. He was diagnosed with an anal gland infection, possible skin infection and mucky ears. We came away with antibiotics, shampoo and ear cleaner. I've been following the vet's instructions, including adding bran to the pup's kibble, and shampooing him twice a week with malaseb. Anyway, this morning I've seen him scoot. So that's blocked glands again, right? Just ten days after they were emptied before. This pup is 19 weeks old. He is scratching like mad (backs of ears, bum region, had frontline treatment a fortnight ago). I could weep. I'm doing everything I should, treating him as instructed yet he doesn't seem to be improving (well, the smell has, but I do wonder if it'll just return when the antibiotics/twice weekly shampoos stop). He has had his glands emptied twice now, and he finds it stressful and upsetting. Should I have a go? I won't do the 'finger up the bum' thing, but maybe just gentle pressure at 4 and 8 and see if anything comes out? I just want him to be comfortable.

Go back to your vets. There is an op to have the anal glands removed many people think it was the best thing they did for their dog that has problems. Although it does sound as if he is generally itchy and maybe allergic as well as anal glands - what did your vet say?

I would only have ago myself if the vet has shown you how to do it.

Raw diet may help him though so worth a thought - depending on your vets views he will either be dead against it or for it!

I was going to suggest a raw diet too, bones in particular can help with anal gland issues. If your pup is v itchy and scratchy this could be because of a food intollerance, I don't feed my dogs any grains anymore and the difference in them is marked, we haven't had an ear infection, hot spot, conjunctivitis (allergic type, I suspect caused by grains) or any other itchy, scratchy type illness. Obviously if there is a problem such as fleas or mites these need dealt with and a raw diet won't get rid of them for you but IMO raw's the way to go!

Thanks. Going back to the vet today to see if his glands need emptying again. Poor dog is itching around his ears and bum end. He's happy enough, but there is clearly a problem :(

Back from vets. Anal glands were reasonably full, but not infected again luckily. Vet seems to think it's just the way he's built, and that expressing the glands will be an ongoing issue :( His ears were also a bit inflamed, so we have antibiotic drops for those. So far this month, that's £75 to the vet

when one of mine was a pup we had this lots, one even fissured through to outside all by itself. It was horrid but vanished as she matured and was never an issue again. Don't think it a coincidence that we went BARF.