Post by ladyarya on Nov 29, 2005 14:44:46 GMT -5
Ever since Boo hit a year old, his anal glands have been out of control. He needs them cleaned out pretty consistantly, and while the vet always describes them as "full with normal fluid consistency" it's getting a bit pricy to keep having them cleaned out. (I admit, I'm a wuss and can't do it myself. I have a weak stomach for the smell.) And external cleaning by groomers just doesn't cut it for him.
This is my first dog who has ever had anal gland problems, so I admit I'm a bit new to the situation. I found some info on other sites that there is a sugery to remove them, but that can lead to incontinence in some dogs - and I haven't found a vet yet that I trust with that kind of surgery. So while I'm keeping that open as an option, I heard that it helps some dogs to be on a high fiber diet because it makes the stool bulkier which, in some dogs, helps push on the glands which helps to empty them. Every site I see says "many companies make specialty high fiber dog foods" but I can't seem to find one of them!
So...
1- does anyone here have experience with a dog that has constant anal gland problems and have any ideas of how I can help him? He's at the point where they'll get emptied, and the next day he's chewing on his butt again. Hot spot spray helps keep him comfortable, but I still need to get them emptied quite frequently.
2- if high fiber is a good idea, is there a certain brand that is recommended for this sort of thing?
3- is there anything else I can do to keep him comfortable?
4- when looking for a doctor to do the surgery, are there any specific questions I should be asking prospective vets before I choose him to do it?
Thanks a bunch! I feel so bad for the poor kid He's just so uncomfortable.
This is my first dog who has ever had anal gland problems, so I admit I'm a bit new to the situation. I found some info on other sites that there is a sugery to remove them, but that can lead to incontinence in some dogs - and I haven't found a vet yet that I trust with that kind of surgery. So while I'm keeping that open as an option, I heard that it helps some dogs to be on a high fiber diet because it makes the stool bulkier which, in some dogs, helps push on the glands which helps to empty them. Every site I see says "many companies make specialty high fiber dog foods" but I can't seem to find one of them!
So...
1- does anyone here have experience with a dog that has constant anal gland problems and have any ideas of how I can help him? He's at the point where they'll get emptied, and the next day he's chewing on his butt again. Hot spot spray helps keep him comfortable, but I still need to get them emptied quite frequently.
2- if high fiber is a good idea, is there a certain brand that is recommended for this sort of thing?
3- is there anything else I can do to keep him comfortable?
4- when looking for a doctor to do the surgery, are there any specific questions I should be asking prospective vets before I choose him to do it?
Thanks a bunch! I feel so bad for the poor kid He's just so uncomfortable.