hopenfox Posted January 18, 2008 Share Posted January 18, 2008 After noticing my Kelpie Fox licking his anal area repeatedly after sleep and exercise, I took him to the Vet to have his anal glands checked (I tried to express them myself, but nothing came out). The Vet discovered they were very large and appeared to both be 'plugged'. After much effort and distress (Fox's and mine), she was able to dislodge one of the plugs and squeeze out one gland, then sent me home with some tablets (Macrolone) to soften the remaining gland's plug. I then returned in two days and had the other emptied. Three days later, he has begun to lick the area again, so I guess I'll be returning to the Vet. Surely it's too soon to have become blocked again? The Vet was very unhelpful, and didn't seem able to give my any suggestions as to why after 6 years of healthy normal glands, his had suddenly become blocked. Is it a symptom of something else? How do I prevent further blockages? His diet is prey model, so he gets plenty of roughage in his diet and his droppings are very firm... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stormie Posted January 18, 2008 Share Posted January 18, 2008 Macrolone is cortisone which acts as an anti-inflammatory. Not sure how it would 'soften' the plug. Not sure why they can become blocked, some just do I guess. I'd have it seen to again before it becomes infected and ends up with an abscess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cowanbree Posted January 18, 2008 Share Posted January 18, 2008 Add some Metamucil (sp?) to his food for the next wee while. I have also had some luck getting antibiotics injected intot he openings of the glands, everything settled right down Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poodle Mum Posted January 19, 2008 Share Posted January 19, 2008 If they are infected, yes they build up after a couple of days without draining/squeeszing or any AB's. Good Luck!.....It looks uncomfortable, but they need empting. If both you & the dog are getting anxious, ask the vet if your dog could have some sedation first If not, or you are unhappy, take you business elsewhere! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stormie Posted January 19, 2008 Share Posted January 19, 2008 I agree. Sounds like the gland really needs to be emptied. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poodle wrangler Posted January 19, 2008 Share Posted January 19, 2008 My vet suggested to me to add Metamucil (Psyllium husks) to the diet also. Mashed, cooked pumpkin is another alternative. Vet should show you how to express the anal glands yourself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hopenfox Posted January 20, 2008 Author Share Posted January 20, 2008 Thanks for your comments everyone! He has plenty of fibre in his diet already, which is why I was confused as to how to help him. He also has a phobia about being touched around that area, so expressing his anal glands isn't just uncomfortable - it's downright terrifying for him (whining/screaming/yelping), so I hate the idea of this becoming a regular thing. I may have to ask for some sedation... I'll be taking him back to the vet on Tuesday... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melo Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 Our older dog (7 years old) suddenly got a blocked anal gland, the vet kept clearing and it just never seem to get better. She then got an infection and they decided they had to take them out. When they operated they found a grass seed lodged in the gland , she recovered well from the op and all was fine. Hope something like that is not happening to your fella? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hopenfox Posted January 24, 2008 Author Share Posted January 24, 2008 A grass seed! I wonder how it got in there?! Fox went to the Vet and had his anal glands emptied again. Apparently they still had some calcified pieces floating around in there blocking him up again, and the Vet was able to remove them, so they should be okay now. He hasn't started licking again, so here's hoping! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muttaburra Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 You could try increasing the oil content of the dog's diet, try him with some oily sardines or makerel (tinned). Do this after he has had his meal. Also not sure what type is recommended but there may some oils you can give him a couple of dessertspoons full regularly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poodle Mum Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 Good news Hopenfox. Hope it was just a one off thing They can be a pain in bum.......literally Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muttaburra Posted January 26, 2008 Share Posted January 26, 2008 Hopenfix calcified pieces floating around in there blocking him up again Could that stuff be getting in there from the outside when (if) he does those hard white poos that dogs do after eating bones.If so I would still recommend increasing the oil in his diet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hopenfox Posted January 27, 2008 Author Share Posted January 27, 2008 Hi InDogWeTrust, Fox eats more meat than bone, so his droppings never come out crumbly and white - though they may turn like that after a few days in the yard. They're usually smooth, firm and various shades of brown. The vet said the calcified pieces were from a previous infection... In regards to oil, I do feed plenty of fresh whole fish (including sardines)... ~ hopenfox ~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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