Anal Gland question

[loving two dachsie's]

HI everyone, I know that a simular post was on this board a while ago.

My rescue Bailey has been with us for almost 5 months now and we have had to take him to the vet every 3-4 weeks to have his anal glands expressed. My worry is that he has to have this done so often. Is 3-4 weeks normal for them to fill up? I know when he needs it done because he scootches his butt on the floor, and when he goes poopy it looks like something is trying to "squirt" out but will not come out. This makes Bailey freak out, he runs almost as if he is embarrassed of the situation.

I am a little unsure about doing this myself. My vet cost $20 and I think that is a little steep for a quick squeeze every 3 weeks. When I take him he is in and out really fast.

Anyone have advice on doing this at home? And how concerned should I be that this happens so often. Sometimes I think it hurts him alot because he will cry a little bit (this is what made me bring him to the vet when we first got him, I thought it was his back the way he cried).

Please give me any advice you all have?

Thanks,

Linda

[Mickamack]

My mom's dog Oscar was having to get his glands expressed quite often as well, every couple of weeks and it seemed like it was getting more and more frequent.

I think there are some dogs that naturally and normally need this more frequently than others, but in Oscar's case, he had an infection in the glands. He went on antibiotics and then was fine. No more frequent trips for "the squeeze"

Just a suggestion.

Karen

[Krista]

Rudy seems to need them done every 3 months or so, 3 weeks sounds really short to me.

Maybe he might be one of the canidates to have the glands removed??? Does the vet say if the glands are infected, or just impacted? Antibiotics are needed for infection, impacted glands are just clogged -may turn into infection if left full.

My vet only charges $8 to empty them in the back. -I don't go into a patient room, the vet tech just takes him in the back and the vet empties them between appointments. The tech brings him back and lets me know that they were full -no sign of infection.

I know groomers do this too, but unless you really trust the groomer to look at the fluid and know if the glands may be infected, I would stick to a vet or do it yourself.

I have read in books how to do it, but the few times I tried nothing happened. I have met a poodle breeder that lives near me and she said she'll show me how next time he needs it

[harleyrox]

Is this something that has to be done? Our vet has never mentioned it. Our male dachsie doesn't seem to have problems, but our female Roxie will occasionally be concerned about what's going on back there. Does anyone know how you can do it at home? Thanks!

[Owen's Mom]

Here's a link to some great instructions on how to properly express anal sacs. It's not a problem for all dachshunds, some never have to have them expressed, some a couple times a year, some, a couple times a month. I have to do Owen's about every 2-3 weeks. They aren't infected, they just fill up fast (I have a theroy about that, I'll get into it some other time). I think the only reason a vet would suggest removing them would be if they are chronically infected and leaking, or impacted. Other than that, it's something you just have to learn to do yourself, as the $$ adds up fast if you have to take them in to get them done at $20 a pop. http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/biggrin.gif Scooting in the #1 sign that they need to be expressed. If your pup isn't a scooter, don't worry about it, just have your vet check them on routine exams. http://dachshundpages.com/health_anal.htm

~~Amy & Owen http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/facelick.gif~~

[wireweiners]

If your pup is scooting, straining and crying when you try to express his her glands, I would have the vet check her for an infection. Most dogs don't have to have their glands express that often. There are things other than anal glands that can cause dogs to scoot. If they are constipated that can cause it. And sometimes I think their butt just itches and that's a way to scratch it.

Expressing anal glands isn't that hard. I usually do it during bath time so its easy to clean them up afterward. See if your vet, a groomer, or experienced dog person can show you how.

[loving two dachsie's]

Thanks for all th eadvice and info. everyonehttp://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/smile.gif

Bailey goes to the bathroom(poopy) about 2 to 4 times per day. Everything seems to come out ok but sometime I notice a liquid comeout (small amount) right at the end of his bowl movement. Could this be from the anal glands?

I will probably take him into the vet to make sure they are not infected, then learn to do this "squeeze thing" myselfhttp://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/sick.gif

I know when my vet does it the smell is pretty darn bad right after.

Amy I would like to hear your theory when you get a chance to post it.

Linda

[weenie]

Hi Linda,

Funny I should find this thread.....I was going to ask the same question. I just had Willi to the Vets again this morning for the same problem. I was afraid he may have been infected because I found some "brown liquid" on my sheets this morning and he spent quite a bit of time through the night licking at his bottom (no kisses from him for awhile http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/sick.gif ).

The tech told me that he was really full and being that he had just been there for the same problem about 3 weeks ago they are going to check them again when I take him next week for his shots ($$$$ that check card just keeps flying out of my wallet$$$$).

I was thinking of learning to do it on my own anyway but I think I may ask the vet when I go back next week. I know I haven't been much help but I wanted you to know that you are in good company.....

-Kris

[weenie]

PS - Amy, I too would like to hear your theory when you get a chance http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/wink.gif

PPS - Great link!

[Tanya]

We have to take Josephine every 3-4 weeks to express hers. They aren't infected either...just get full.

Harleyrox the "tail tail" sign (joke there...ok so it was bad) is when you see your dachsie drag or scoot his behind across the floor.

Amy, I too would love to hear your theory!

[Owen's Mom]

OK... here's my theory and I could be totally off base... but a friend w/dachshunds started it, and I have to agree...

Mellow dachsies, that don't get all wound up and bark their heads off and lunge on leash at other dogs, but rather like to just sit on your lap and lick your face and walk past a new dog etc... DON'T tend to need their anal glads expressed often, if at all.

On the other hand... If you have a dachshund who thinks he owns the whole street on which you live, has to bark at every passing dog he doesn't know, requires a prong collar to be humanely walked (Owen) and is always standing Century at the front door, well his/her anal glands will probably fill up on a more regular basis as he feels the need to alert all other dogs around of his scent and his territory.

It's just something I've noticed, as has a friend w/two dachsies. Sophie's butt is fine, while Wally needs to be expressed much more often, and he's the door monitor, watchdog type like Owen.

So... There it is, take it or leave it http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/biggrin.gif

~~Amy & Owen http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/facelick.gif~~

[loving two dachsie's]

You could be on to something there Amy.

Thanks for the site, its great!

Linda

[Penny's Aunt]

If you want to do the anal glands at home, just ask your vet to show you how to do it the next time you go in. Just don't do them if the dog doesn't need it done. Some people do it every time they bath the dog or every week or something, & the glands get irritated from the bruising, & you may end up having to have them removed.

Another theory about cause is diet. Usually, as the stool passes the glands, some of the gland contents comes out, & that keeps them emptied. If the stool is soft, it may not be "massaging" the glands enough to empty them normally.

Also, one of the problems is the consistency of the contents. The ususal stuff is quite liquid, but sometimes it gets thicker, & has difficulty going through the small openings.

As one client said, "Scare him bad enough & they empty -- trust me!"

[WOTANSMUTTI]

Yep! I second that client. After Wotan was grabbed by the coyote and got away he reeked pretty badly. I needed to be washed off too!

http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/oogle.gif

[Meeka]

YUCK!!http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/sick.gif I don't think there is a smell much worse. Kojak (when younger) would express those evil glands http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/devil.gif when he would be asleep! Now only when he is really nervous. http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/caffeine.gif

Meeka