Dreaded Anal Gland Problems

[2Chiwawa]

I gave Gracie a nice bath on Easter Sunday and she was fine "back there". I came home for lunch on Tuesday and I notice something wrong. Gracie had a big impacted anal gland. Luckily I had just taken Sammi Girl in for her check up with a new vet who I was very very happy with. If you remember I had been very unhappy with our previous vet when they made me muzzle Sammi. Sammi's visit went very well. The vet let me hold her the whole time and I felt much more comfortable there. They were much warmer and more attentive than the "bad vet".

So I called the new vet and got an appointment for Gracie for today. We went and I had to leave her at the vet. :cry2: The gland was so hard that he has to open it under anesthesia. :cry2: But there is one good thing, she also needs her teeth done this summer and we will spare her two anesthesias by doing both things now. But this just makes me more suspicious of the care that we were getting at the old vet. I wonder if her gland should have been routinely emptied before this.

While I am uneasy with her having to have surgery...I felt very confident with this vet. He is going to do all kinds of pretesting to make sure she will be ok with the anesthesia and I liked how he took care of her today. Everyone was very friendly and gentle and concerned.

Sammi is alone in the apartment for the first time in her life. I hope she just goes to sleep and does not howel the whole time. And mommy got more grey hair and had to use the emergency credit card because the first card is maxed out. But that's another story.

[Hercules Momma]

Oh Faye and Sammi,

I'm so sorry to hear that Sammi had to have surgery! Please give her puppy hugs and kisses from us!
Glad to hear that you like your new vet! BAD OLD VET!!!

[momof1chi]

I am sorry that Sammy had to stay at the vet! That really stinks! Should there anal glads be expressed reg.? Chili is 7 mo. old and I don't know that he has ever had this done? Let me know something? Thanks to all.
Chassi and Chili

[Bentley's Mommy]

I can't believe you just posted something about anal gland problems. I just went to dinner with my husband and another couple last night and they were telling me that I probably will need to have Bentley's anal glands routinely cleared every 6 weeks. I was beside myself, as I'd never heard of such a thing.

So, what is the deal with this anal gland stuff? How do I know if Bentley has problems that could maybe be prevented? Bentley went to the vet yesterday, and the vet never mentioned such a thing...should I be concerned???

[2Chiwawa]

Thank you everyone. It's Gracie at the vet. I will know more today and will let you know how she is doing. Sammi Girl is fine. She had a good check up. Gracie was just along for the ride on the first visit. But I was glad they met Gracie because when I had the emergency they let me bring her right in.

Bentley's Mom & Chassie, don't panic, many others on this site know more about anal glands than I do. We have had long discussions in the past here about routine care etc. and diet in relation to this problem.

Maybe Lys and Roman's Mom can talk about everything again on anal glands. I know I need more information again. I will also post what I learn from this new vet.

What bothers me is that nothing looked wrong "back there" and she was not dragging her butt. So I was kind of shocked that there was this big problem going on that required surgery. I also wonder if the old vet could have prevented this, I feel she was neglected in some way. Though I must say she had no symptoms that I could see or feel back there. So maybe it just happened suddenly.

[Romans Mom]

I wonder if her gland should have been routinely emptied before this.

While I am uneasy with her having to have surgery...I felt very confident with this vet. He is going to do all kinds of pretesting to make sure she will be ok with the anesthesia and I liked how he took care of her today. Everyone was very friendly and gentle and concerned.



HI Faye, I'm sorry to hear Gracie had to have surgery and hope she's feeling better soon. It's good you have such a wonderful vet now. I can't even imagine who it would be to have a meanie. Ours is wonderful. I'll bet Sammie misses her sister.

We clean Roman, Elle and Sheba's anal glands once a week during their baths, and while some dogs don't need to be expressed that often, ours do. Nothing has ever looked wrong or different to indicate it's time; we can't tell until it's done. Elle still scoots once in a while, but not as much as she used to.

I hope Gracie gets to come home today.

[Romans Mom]

Here's a link for anal sacs that Lys had posted, I think. It says it's for disease, so don't let that scare you; I posted it since it's a good explanation and the colored illustrations (not real pictures) shows you where they are.

http://www.dr-dan.com/analsac.htm

Here's what's said in case you really don't even want to look at the illustration.

"Anal Sac Disease - Scooting"

Ever been disgusted by your dog or cat rubbing its' bottom across the carpet? Chances are it was having problems with its' anal sacs. This a very common problem in both dogs and cats.

What are the anal sacs and what is their purpose?

The archaic anal sacs are an organ of the past and have no purpose in modern pets. The anal sacs are paired organs located beneath the skin and anal sphincter muscles at about the five and seven o'clock positions surrounding the rectum (See the first image below). Tiny ducts lead to the tissue just inside the rectum. The secretion that comes from these glands is brown in color and about the consistency of water or oil. The secretion has a very disagreeable odor to humans. As the pet defecates, the anal sphincter squeezes the sacs against the hard passing feces and causes the anal secretion to discharge onto the fecal mass. In olden times, this was used to mark a unique scent on the BM. It was like a sign-post used to communicate with the other dogs and cats.

Why so many problems?

You will notice in the above description that the anal sphincter must squeeze the sac against hard feces to express the contents. My idea of why modern pets have so many problems is that the feces are just not hard enough. In ancient times, dogs and cats ate large quantities of meat and bone making their feces the consistency of concrete. Now, we feed diets with vegetable protein as the main ingredient. This produces a much softer stool so there is nothing for the glands to be squeezed against. The secretions build up and the pet has problems.

The degree of problems

When the fluid begins building up and the animal scoots to try to relieve the pressure we have signs of an impaction. Treatment at this point will save the pet from more serious problems later on. This is why the anal sacs should always be checked by the veterinarian or groomer whenever working with the pet. If the secretion stays in the sacs for very long it begins to thicken and become like peanut butter in consistency. At this point it is very difficult to be expressed and subject to bacterial invasion and abscessation. Once an abscess forms and there is no route of escape for the secretion and pus it may rupture through the skin causing an unsightly mess and lots of pain for the pet (See the second image below). This is a situation we want to avoid.

Expressing the anal glands

Normally the anal sacs are about the size of a kidney bean and difficult to feel beneath the skin surrounding the rectum. As they become impacted they increase in size until they feel like grapes or walnuts beneath the skin. It is at this stage that they should be expressed. Since the secretion smells so bad, it is a good idea to do this at bath time. To express the normal glands you just put a finger on each side of the rectum on the outside edges of the anal sacs. You then press towards the rectum, up and inward to trap the sacs. If a fluid is not expressed then you need assistance from your veterinarian. The secretion may have thickened or you haven't mastered the technique.

If the secretion is inspisated (thickened) your veterinarian may need to give a sedative and pass a catheter into the duct of the gland. The anal sac is filled with water and worked until the secretion can be removed. Often times the sacs are then filled with an antibiotic ointment to kill the infection. If the gland has abscessed and broken out to the skin surface the wound must be debrided and flushed with an antiseptic solution daily until the wound heals from the inside out. This is painful, costly and dangerous. Systemic antibiotics must also be used when the glands have abscessed.

Removal of the anal sacs

If your pet has recurring problems with its' anal sacs the best treatment is the surgical removal of the gland. This is accomplished by first given a general anesthetic and then filling the gland with a synthetic gel which makes them easier to find. Incissions are made and the glands are removed. The surgical incisions are closed with suture material.

Parting words...

If your pet is scooting there has to be a reason. Look for feces stuck to the hair or the evidence of tapeworms or roundworms. If you find neither then it's time to have your veterinarian check the anal sacs. Anal sac problems are extremely common and can cause tremendous pain for your pet. Early treatment can save lots of money for and spare your pet of much discomfort

[2Chiwawa]

Thanks for the post Roman's Mom, I am going to print it out and read it later.

Gracie came through the surgery fine and I get to bring her home tomorrow night after work.

I'll update then.

[Bentley's Mommy]

Gracie came through the surgery fine and I get to bring her home tomorrow night after work. I'll update then.
Oh, good!!!! I'm glad to hear Gracie's surgery went well and she will be home soon. I had been thinking about her today and had hoped you'd have good news for us. Thank God!

Also, Roman's mom, thanks for posting that information.

[Bentley's Mommy]

Hmmmm....Bentley is only 10 weeks old and is already scooting at least once a day. I looked to see If I saw anything back there and it looks normal to me. No swelling. bumps, nothing. Do you guys think I should call my vet now? I'm too scared to try to squeeze anything myself...at least at this point. I don't want to hurt him, he's so tiny. Can scooting be normal on occasion? or is it always a sign of problems to come? I read the article, but would love your advice from experience.

[Romans Mom]

Hmmmm....Bentley is only 10 weeks old and is already scooting at least once a day. I looked to see If I saw anything back there and it looks normal to me. No swelling. bumps, nothing. Do you guys think I should call my vet now? I'm too scared to try to squeeze anything myself...at least at this point. I don't want to hurt him, he's so tiny. Can scooting be normal on occasion? or is it always a sign of problems to come? I read the article, but would love your advice from experience.

Hi Holly, I would call your vet just to see why Bentley's doing that, and they will probably check the anal glands first. You can watch this and learn if you want, but it's the most unpleasant part of grooming. Since our dogs need it so often, we do it ourselves, but if it's just on occasion, or Roman's daddy didn't do it so often, I would pay my vet or a dog groomer.

Here's a start if you want to try it yourself: If you think of the anal area as a clock, the anal glands would be found at about 3:00 and 9:00 positions. While in a bath or similar location, you can gently feel this area in a "rolling" movement, not really a squeeze. You may feel the glands, but be prepared in case they express. It can go far too, so stand back. Oh, you may want to have gloves on since it's not pleasant at all.

[Romans Mom]

Gracie came through the surgery fine and I get to bring her home tomorrow night after work.

Hi Faye, I hope the little patient is doing well tonight. That's been a long time for you not to be with her. :( :flower:

[2Chiwawa]

Hi everyone. Gracie came home at 7:00 p.m. on Friday night. I was so glad to see her. She had not been away from me since she got spayed as a pup.

She is doing very well. She has an "open" area the size of a dime to the left of her rectum. We have to wash it with a cleanser and put ointment on it twice a day. She also has to wear one of those CONES on her head. Poor baby.

She was very glad to see me but she was also tired and quiet when she got home. She didn't bark at any noises in our foyer so I knew she was not herself. I could also tell she felt "unsightly" wearing the cone. Sammi took one look at the cone on Gracie and ran for dear life...:razz:

Gracie was also sent home with a pain killer and an antibiotic to take by mouth. I cannot tell you what a good girl she has been. I took her in the bathroom and closed the door. Then I stood her in the sink and she let me put all the medication on her hind end and then let me put the pills down her throat. She stood so still and was so good. I was very proud of her.

She started barking today so I know she is feeling better. She barked at the mailman real good. We go back to the vet next Friday for a recheck and I will be asking about prevention.

Thank you all so much for being there. I can't tell you how I felt when I got her home. She literally threw herself into my arms and climbed on me for a full body hug that I will never ever forget. I know that you all understand.

[sunflowerbme]

That is great, I hope Miss Gracie feels better and better each day! Thanks for the update and I hope she has a speedy recovery!

[Bentley's Mommy]

She started barking today so I know she is feeling better. She barked at the mailman real good. .
Awww, I'm glad to hear she is starting to show signs of her old self. What a tough thing to go through for Gracie and mommy.

[Zoeluvs2chis]

Faye,
I'm so relieved that Gracie is feeling much better. It's less stressful that you didn't have to put her in the suflex wrestling hold to apply the ointment to her hind area. I think she's been such a compliant patient and loving daughter to allow you to do what is necessary for her to heal. I love full body chi hugs! Wow, and already barking at Mr. Mailman???? Welcome home, Miss Gracie! I'm sure that Sammi will get past your Fashion Felony (the cone, though maybe it's from Saks 5th Avenue)!
Pupper kisses from my gang!

[Chloe's Mom]

Faye,

Gracie sounds like SUCH a trouper - what a good, sweet girl to be so patient through such an ordeal. I'm so relieved that she's home safe with her Sammi and her Mom - that has to be the best medicine of all. :)

Chloe sends Chi hugs to you both, and Human ones from me!

[Amaze]

Faye,

I am so sorry I didn't post a reply sooner-you and Gracie were in our chihuahua prayers and I'm glad to hear that she if feeling better!

Impacted anal glands can happen at any time for a number of reasons, so don't beat yourself up about her past veterinary care and keep being the great mom that you are!

[momof1chi]

Yeah! The Puppers Are Doing Ok! Hope All Is Well At The Next Vet Visit!
Chassi And Chili

[2Chiwawa]

Thank you all for the support and thanks Lys for the positive comment. I was feeling very guilty... But at least I had already found the new vet. Everyone was wonderful. I'll keep you all posted.

[Romans Mom]

Sammi took one look at the cone on Gracie and ran for dear life...:razz:



I'm so glad Gracie is home with you and Sammie Girl. She's lucky to have you to care for her and give her medicine and get well cuddles. Get well soon Gracie. :wub:

[EmilyStrange]

I’m so relieved for you!!!! It’s downright traumatic when one of your fur babies is under the weather! It sounds like you caught it and got her the best care possible. Good for you!!!! They are our babies and they rely on us to take care of them.
I hope Sammi is her boisterous self again soon!
Hugs and prayers!

[2Chiwawa]

Ok, Gracie went in to have her rear checked after the surgery. Everything is ok but if it has not closed on its own they will have to put in a stitch. So back we go for a second check next Thursday... But it is not infected or anything so that is good. She was not afraid to go back to the vet and was very friendly to everyone so I know she was treated well while she was there. I am still very happy with this new vet and was glad that I had made the switch when I did.

[Bev&Casey]

Oh Faye
I've been away and I just read all this...
I'm so glad Gracie is ok. What a worry for you I hate it when the kids have something wrong with them..

We are thinking of you all.
Bevandcasey

[Bev&Casey]

I just realized from the diagram posted in Barbs link.....I've been squeezing Casey's 'internal obturator muscle' I only get a tiny bit of stuff each time I guess that's because this muscle must be nicking some of it out. Poor dog.
Poor dog

Bevandcasey

[2Chiwawa]

Hi Bev, Yep, worry and money. We're up to $800 now and she has to go back and probably get stitched. But I look at her and she is such a good doggie and she really loves me so she is worth it. But with my Mom going in the nursing home money is very very very tight. So I got upset. Dosen't something always happen when you have no money.

[2Chiwawa]

Hi all, Gracie went in for her second recheck. I had to leave her there again. They are going to have to stich her up because it is taking too long to heal. But I have to tell you she was wagging her tail the whole time. The vet is WONDERFUL and took Gracie in his arms and was hugging and kissing her and was staying late that night and said he would play with her. They also have someone who monitors the animals all night and he said she would be sure to carry Gracie around and play with her. Gracie was thrilled to stay there. I think she is a little bored with me and Sammi because she is so outgoing and we don't "go out" much in the winter.

They are stiching her today and I will bring her home tomorrow morning. I really missed her last night and having to wait to get her until Saturday is hard.:cry2:

[Chloe's Mom]

Oh, Faye - I'm SO glad you found a great Vet before Gracie needed him! I know it's awful to be without her, but what a relief to know she's being well cared for! And, what a good little girl, being so good about staying so you won't worry as much...

Hugs and puppy kisses to your whole family - AND your Vet!!! :)

[2Chiwawa]

Update on Gracie's Hind End :razz: : The senior vet decided not to put Gracie under anesthesia again. He says he has never had to stitch up this type of thing and that if we are patient it will heal from the inside out. Gracie has to see him again in 10 days. It looks much better. She was very happy to come home even though they started calling her their little mascot because she still had to stay there until Saturday even though they didn't do surgery. I can't tell you how often she asked for a belly scratch when I got her home. Then all 3 of us took a long nap on the couch together. Bliss.

[Romans Mom]

Hi Faye, Thanks for the update. :) It's so good you have this wonderful trusting vet now for Gracie's hinie care decisions. I can't imagine how this would be for you if you were at the vet you weren't happy with. I hope she's not in any pain with this. Does she have a hard time sitting? More healing Chi Hugs and kisses to both Gracie and Sammy Girl.

[2Chiwawa]

That's so funny Barb, when Gracie first had her surgery I automatically told her to sit to get her treat and then I thought OMG I just told her to sit on her sore hiney. But she was on pain medication... Really, she is not showing any discomfort except she still has to wear her cone. She's not even reacting to the cone anymore. She looks pitiful but sorry to say she has gotten used to it.

So far we have spent about $1000 on her um @hole. When all is said and done I expect her to poop gold. Then I can go on David Letterman and bill her as the chi that poops gold. Be sure to tune in.

[Amaze]

So far we have spent about $1000 on her um @hole. When all is said and done I expect her to poop gold. Then I can go on David Letterman and bill her as the chi that poops gold. Be sure to tune in.

I can't wait to see that! Don't you wish we could write vet bills off on our taxes? Of course, it would be hard to have all those boxes to cover all the different issues:
"3 pound dog attack on 100 pound dog"
"Dog gets ball stuck in mouth"
"Dog swallows Nylons"
etc...!

[Amaze]

Really, she is not showing any discomfort except she still has to wear her cone. She's not even reacting to the cone anymore. She looks pitiful but sorry to say she has gotten used to it.


I saw a new product out that replaces the cone and is easier for the dog to wear. It is very similar to a human neckbrace and made from foam...the dog is able to turn its head but not so much that it can get to wounds-it look like a good alternative to the cone if it works in person as well as the ad claimed!

[2Chiwawa]

Lys, I have seen those neck brace thingies. They do look more comfortable than the cone. I did take Gracie's cone off today and I will have to see how it goes. I am only going to put it on right after I put the ointment on her hiney.

I should point out that some of the $1000 did go for Gracie to have her teeth cleaned. So it didn't all go for hiney repair.:p

[Amaze]

HA! Well, if you don't want to tell people about her bum, you can always claim that "Since she is so small, instead of a million-dollar smile, I got her a thousand-dollar smile!" Hehehe!!!

[2Chiwawa]

You're right, it's better than telling people I got her a $1000 bum.

[Zoeluvs2chis]

Bliss.

Yes, I sure do know what bliss feels like when I am taking a nap with my two chihuahuas!!!! That's the perfect word to describe the calmness that they bring to my world. Thanks, Faye, for slowing me down from my anxiety and stress today, and reminding me that my chihuahuas love me whether the laundry is folded or the sink has a dirty spoon in it!

Cookie and Brownie are the wind in my sails!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/freckledzoe/Chihuahua%20gifs/thumb.jpg

[Romans Mom]

Dear Gracie, This little poem came in an email from a friend, and I was thinking how many cute bum poems are there, really? So this is for the bright thousand dollar smile and the hiney combo. :wink: Love, Roman, Elle and Sheba.

I wish I were a glow worm

A glow worm's never glum.

'Cos how can you be grumpy

When the sun shines out your bum!

[EmilyStrange]

I’m going to be singing that one from now on!!!!!!

Oh Faye, you are such a super ChiMom!

[2Chiwawa]

Hi Barb, I had a hard day at work yesterday and just before I went home I saw the glow worm poem. Well THAT cheered me right up. I will be sure to sing it to Gracie every day. That is so so funny. Sort of puts everything in perspective.:-)

[Romans Mom]

Faye, I hope your girls likes the poem. LOL How is Gracie's little gold-pooping bum?

Seriously though, I hope she's doing great. :flower:

[2Chiwawa]

Thanks for asking Barb:). Gracie went to the vet yesterday and her hiney healing is progressing very well. It is healing from the inside out and has no infection. She is being a very good girl with it so I only put the cone on her right after I put the medicine on her. Then we take it off. They only charged me $25.00 to look up there. (No funny comments from me).

We also got very very good info. Gracie had weighed over 9 pounds. She now weighs 8.2 pounds. I had put her on a diet and it was wonderful to see her little body change for the better. I'm sorry to say that when my mother lived at home Gracie weighed 10 pounds. :cry2:

[Romans Mom]

It's so wonderful she's healed so well.

Gracie had weighed over 9 pounds. She now weighs 8.2 pounds. I had put her on a diet and it was wonderful to see her little body change for the better. I'm sorry to say that when my mother lived at home Gracie weighed 10 pounds. :cry2:

Congratulations Gracie! I have gone through weight loss with Sheba, only Sheba had much more to lose than Gracie, and it is amazing to see the change in appearance. I also love how Sheba has her bounce back. Although is is close to 15, she can run again and loves to play with Roman and Elle, not to mention is easier to carry.

It felt so good to have her get into her harness she has had since she was one year old. She is now just a little above her goal weight and continues to improve daily.

To do it, I cut her food in half like the vet said, and then adjusted that more or less and cut out the midnight cookie snacks she started demanding. That was so bad, she would start constant whinning at about 1:30 a.m. and not let up for hours until we gave her the cookies at 3 a. m.! :w00t: Our vet said that it would take her 4 days of strict dieting to get her body adjusted to not demanding the extra snacks and food, and she can now have a morsel of cheese or meat once in a while, but not much. It was more torture on us because she was not happy with us and let us know it.

[2Chiwawa]

That's what I did, Barb. I cut Gracie's food in half. And no snacks at all. No human food at all. Now that she is down to 8 lbs. and the vet says she is ok I adjusted her food upward gradually. She still gets less than Sammi Girl. I will keep a close eye on her and adjust down if necessary.

One of the other benefits to her losing weight is that I know there is less stress on her joints. I want to avoid any orthopedic surgery when she gets older if I can.