Anal Gland Explosion

sydgavy · #1 11-04-2009, 12:36 PM

Micki had to have her anal glands drained yesterday. She was laying by my feet ans i started to smell the most horrible thing i have ever smelled in my life. I put up with a lot of disgusting scents at work and the have never made me react this way. I was gagging.

Is this a common problem with boxers? I thought that this was something small breeds had trouble with.

Mesquite · #2 11-04-2009, 01:44 PM

I've never heard of boxers having this problem, but my mom's beagle has this problem and has to get vetted for it on a regular basis.

Furface · #3 11-04-2009, 01:46 PM

Devon has probems with hers, and we are at the vets every few months..the poor pup

laneysmom · #4 11-04-2009, 01:54 PM

Been there & done that too. Laney has to go to the vets every once in awhile to have this done. When she starts chasing her tail, I know it's time to go again....good luck to you.

ikonxone · #5 11-04-2009, 02:23 PM

i always thought having the anal gland drained is common for all dogs. every time i get my shih tzu groomed i ask them to do the anal gland. it probably should be done on nixxon, but i will wait and have the vet do it because i don't think i can stand doing it myself.

sydgavy · #6 11-04-2009, 02:37 PM

I work at our local SPCA and we have a vet up there to do spays and neuters twice a week. She drained them and told me that most dogs will take care of it when they poo. She said it could be that Micki has been having loose or small bowle movements and her gland may have gotten full or impacted. She is still adjusting to eating raw. I just didn't know if this was a one time thing or something that she may have to have done once a month or so. For some reason i thought it was a small breed issue.

Glad to know she isn't the only one. Thanks for all the replies.

ChristyA · #7 11-04-2009, 09:41 PM

My boxer boy Dexter had that problem. Every 3 months we had to go to the vet. I have a flat-coat retreiver he had to go every month. We had our vet remove them,,,this isn't a surgery to be taken lightly or done by someone that has never done it before,,many times. Our vet did his dog, his receptionists dog, my Dentists dog,,he's done over a 100. He gave me references. Our dog is much happier now,,but his were really bad. It does get painful for them,,pinches.
Goodluck,
Christy

BxrMommieNAZ · #8 11-04-2009, 11:17 PM

Only time my dogs have ever had a problem is when they are either constipated or have diarrhea. I add some additional fiber to their diet to correct either issue and within a day or so the problem resolves itself. For the majority of dogs the anal glands shouldn't need to be expressed by humans. there are a few that if they're having bowel troubles will need to have them done.

Good luck!

ROROSHELTON · #9 11-06-2009, 06:01 AM

Just had Brutus at the vet's last night for this problem. He started weeping blood from his anus mid September. Took him then, they expressed the anal glands, said they were not swollen, abcessed or infected and to watch him for a few weeks. The bleeding stopped about 2 weeks later, for only a week. I took him in last night and was told the right gland was almost abcessed. Three more days and Brutus would have been in BIG trouble. I have noticed his poops to not be firm for quite a while. He eats Solid Gold Wolf King, due to chicken allergy and pancreatitis history. I discussed with the vet trying some pumpkin and yogurt to firm him up and help naturally express the glands and she agreed. I will take him back in two weeks to the vet to make sure they are doing ok. Brutus just turned 6 and this has been his first real issue with his anal glands. My groomer would externally express them about 4 times a year and up to this point he hadn't had a problem. Keep your paws crossed that he heals with the natural treatment.