Anal Glands

[chuckie500]

I have a little shih tzu cross. He had had a problem before where he didn't want to walk one morning, just wanted to sit. That was a few years ago. Eventually it was solved. Well it started again. He is usually the first out the door, but for a few days, he just wants to sit. I went to vet and we couldn't find anything wrong, except his anal glands were full and were expressed. Now I think his backside is still a bit sore, and from time to time, doesn't want to walk. This morning he was fine, this evening, just wants to sit.

Has anyone else had this sort of sign (wanting to sit and not walk) as a sign of anal gland problems?

Edited February 24, 2009 by chuckie500

[Mystiqview]

can be. I generally found a lot of bum scooting and having general straining problems when pooing as it can be painful

I have had a dog in the past who had anal gland problems. Had to regularly be expressed. They sit at 4 and 8 o'clock positions. I was shown how to expess them on the dog I had, maybe ask your vet next time to show if you if are ok with it.. It is rather smelly and do not stand right behind the dog when doing it, and always wear a glove.. the smell lingers on your skin.

Here is an extract from the local rag.. funnily enough.. its about anal glads..

Prevention:

"ensuring a reasonable amount of fibre in your dogs diet can aid in the emptying anal glands as regular 'bulky' faeces aid in squeezing out hte glands naturally. Keeping the dog at a healthy body weight will also reduce anal gland problems as many obese pets suffer from this disease"

[chuckie500]

Thanks for your comments. This boy is a real softie too. And i'm a worry wart.

[Mystiqview]

Your vet would be the best person to advise you.. Also try a hollistic vet in your area if there is one there. It may be controlled through diet.

There is also a rectum cream you can get to wipe on to ease discomfort. Had to get it for a girl I had once who turned part of rectum inside out from trying to pass a bone fragment

[Sankari]

I had a dog have them surgically removed. Diet changes didn't help and were getting infected and full within 2 week periods. It was decided that it was best to have them removed. After that we never had scooting or any discomfort. Be careful though, it is a delicate surgery and have to ensure the vet is confident enough. She had faecal incontinence for 5 days then she was fine and resumed normal function. I think it was due to the drains and all the stitches she had.

She wasn't overweight, had a good diet and still had the problem. Neither of my current girls have problems with it.

Good luck and hope all goes well for your little fella