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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

My dog is broken

21 replies

ChickensHaveNoLips · 01/07/2012 11:29

Anyone who has read my posts about Jasper knows that he has anal gland issues. Well, this morning his arse was so red and swollen he looked like a baboon. We're just back from the vet and he is on another course of antibiotics and some antiinflamatories. The vet had a rootle about, got a tiny amount of stuff out (I'd already done it this morning) and was surprised by what his glands actually contain. It is and has always been an oily, brown/green fluid which when the glands are squeezed fires across the room like a water pistol. Apparently, this is weird. But she doesn't know why it's happening. He is fed Burns Active, his stools are solid and firm, yet I am expressing his glands weekly. I don't do it for fun, btw, but after about a week he starts to scoot again. And when I investigate the glands are full (like large peas either side of his anus). A quick squeeze and he's comfortable again. I am feeling quite down about it all, tbh. This is his fourth infection and he's 1 tomorrow. I can and will keep expressing the glands, but I wish this problem could be sorted. It's not fair that the poor fella is in pain and discomfort. Has anyone had anything similair (especially the weird gland contents) and did you manage to improve things for your dog? I'm genuinely worried that the long term implications are going to be less than good.

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MagratGarlik · 01/07/2012 12:31

Our old collie x had impacted anal glands for a while when he was staying with my grandparents and they changed the food he was on. The vet said some of the more expensive food doesn't contain enough fibre for some dogs and recommended giving him some cabbage regularly which seemed to sort it out. Possibly worth a try?

cocolepew · 01/07/2012 12:51

My lab/cocker cross has gland ishoos. I changed her food to one thst Asda sell. I cant remember the name but its the one vet Joe Ingles makes. She only gets this and there hss been a vast improvement. There can still be the fishy smell but it seems to clear itself up.

twojues · 01/07/2012 13:29

My golden retriever had his anal glands removed. He kept chewing at his bum area because they were irritating him so much.

After he had the op he was so much better. Is this an option for Jasper?

ChickensHaveNoLips · 01/07/2012 13:33

The vet is reluctant to remove the glands just in case it causes more problems. Which I understand. But, you know, if a vet could do the op with minimal risk, I think I'd seriously consider it. It's not fair on him that he has to keep having ab's and is in frequent discomfort.

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RedwingS · 01/07/2012 17:26

I'm sorry to hear this. Poor Jasper. I don't have any experience, but why not try a different food first, as it's less drastic than an op. Also since he is on antibiotics it wouldn't hurt to give him a little live yoghurt too (or a probiotic if you prefer).

Lizcat · 01/07/2012 18:34

I am a fan of flushing glands like this under general anaesthetic with sterile saline and then installing antibiotic directly into them.

ChickensHaveNoLips · 01/07/2012 19:06

Redwing, I've tried many, many foods. And tbh none have made a difference (although some have made it worse). Now he's on Burns and his stools are solid I'm not sure what else a food could do iyswim :( I'm reluctant to change him about too much as he has a bad tummy every time I change feed, which then makes the gland issue worse. It's a real headache for me, but obviously much worse for the poor dog. I've even tried feeding him raw chicken wings every other meal to see if it helps, but no :(
Lizcat, have you come across this kind of thing often? And does flushing the glands out work? I'd be very keen to hear about anything which might help him.

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HesterBurnitall · 01/07/2012 19:11

Chickens, we had ongoing problems with our dog's anal glands (oh the joy) until a vet recommended feeding him raw chicken necks once or twice a week. Apparently the little circular bones pass through intact and are smooth so not dangerous, but perfect for milking the gland on their way out.

It's worked for us, no problems since we started.

RedwingS · 01/07/2012 19:28

Chickens, sorry to have stated the obvious. It sounds tricky (and unpleasant for him). I hope you can find a solution.

ChickensHaveNoLips · 01/07/2012 19:33

Not at all, Redwing. I appreciate everyone taking the time to try and help. I'll get him through this course of antib's, and then see how we go. But if these infections continue I might have to try another vet for a fresh pair of eyes. He's so young, and could have a lot of years ahead of him. I don't want them all to be spent having his bum squeezed and regularly on ab's.

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cocolepew · 01/07/2012 19:50

Do you get the chicken necks at the butchers? (I'm presuming you dont go out a throttle a couple)

HesterBurnitall · 01/07/2012 19:57

I'm in Sydney now and we didn't get him until after the move out here, so I can't say for sure about UK stores, but I just pick them up at either the supermarket or from larger butchers. If they're not visible I always ask and they usually have them in the cool room. When we're at the farm the butcher down there orders them in for me. They're cheap and effective and the dog loves them.

ChickensHaveNoLips · 01/07/2012 19:58

Chicken necks, you say? I might ask the butcher in town and see if he will sell me some. I'm willing to try just about anything.

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cocolepew · 01/07/2012 20:02

Ok thanks Ill ask my butcher.

youdontknowmebut · 01/07/2012 20:42

I would try switching to a total raw diet and see if that helps. I have no experience of anal gland issues(so shoot me if you wish) but my dog had awful colitis that would only settle with treatment from the vet. After changing her diet a few times, I decided to try raw. BINGO, happy, healthy doglet!

ChickensHaveNoLips · 01/07/2012 20:55

I'm a bit scared of feeding exclusively raw. I'm worried I'd cock it up and he'd end up malnourished

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anchovies · 01/07/2012 21:03

This might be worth trying? Never used it for problem anal glands but works a treat on my dogs various digestive issues.

youdontknowmebut · 01/07/2012 21:46

Its ever so easy....I was scared too but my dog has improved so much since I had her on raw. If you're on FB there is a great raw feeding group who are very knowledgable!

RedwingS · 01/07/2012 22:01

This page has a few tips on prevention, in case there are any you haven't tried yet - vigorous exercise, probiotics, and adding banana/pumpkin/olive oil to food.

Lizcat · 02/07/2012 08:41

Yes I have found flushing and instilling antibiotics very useful. There are some dogs who have anal glands ducts that point upwards and/or inwards normal being down and out. No amount of increasing the firmness of the faeces will help empty these glands.
My protocol is have in GA flush and then instill enrofloxacin into gland/s then clindamycin orally re-exam in 2 weeks not emptying the glands in the mean time (this is really important otherwise you get rid of the antibiotics). I do find that you need to continue the clindamycin and checking every two weeks for a total of about 6 weeks. But I have found this really quite successful. Removal of anal glands really would be very last resort due to the risk of faecal incontience after this type of surgery.

ChickensHaveNoLips · 02/07/2012 10:00

Thanks Lizcat. That's really useful. I might discuss that with my vet next time this happens.
Thanks for the link, Redwing. I've heard the stuff about pumpkin before, but haven't tried it. Maybe I should give it a go. I do think that Jasper's plumbing is wrong, however, so not sure if any dietary change will help. Still, nothing to lose!
Thanks for everyone's help, it's much appreciated. My lovely boy is 1 today, so we're off for a long walk in the woods with his new squeaky ball :)

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