Hi metta,
Thank you for your question.
Expressing (draining) anal glands (anal sacs) is *not* breed specific
- meaning it depends on the dog. Dogs exhibit signs of irritation by
scooting their bottom on the ground and by excessive licking of the
anal area. Some dogs only need their glands expressed one time in
their lifetime. Other dogs may need it done bi-monthly, monthly, or
every six weeks.
If you take your dog to a groomer, generally an attempt at draining is
done because that's part of the grooming process. If nothing comes
out - fine.
If the dog is groomed at home, and the dog is exhibiting no signs of
irritation as stated above, then there is no need to drain.
External method: (generally done by owner or groomer)
Express the anal glands by placing a paper towel (or something
similar) against the glands (which can be felt with the fingers -
they feel like "grapes" under the skin) and gently pressing on them to
get them to express.
Internal method: (perfomed by vet when they are impacted)
Using a latex exam glove, lubricate the index finger with KY jelly.
Then the index finger is gently inserted in the anus and isolate the
gland between the index finger and thumb. Then gently squeeze the
gland from both sides (inside and outside) to express the secretion.
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http://www.vetinfo.com/doganal.html
"The anal sacs are located at about the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock
positions if you imagine the area around the rectum to be a clockface.
It is usually possible to feel them under the skin at these points
when they are full. In some dogs the sacs can be pretty far to the
side of the rectum but most are about 1/4th to 1/2 inch to the side.
If the glands are pressed against each other by pinching the rectal
area together they will usually express. It is hard to get them as
empty as the vet can by doing this rectally but most pets tolerate it
better so it can be done more frequently. Don't push so hard that you
rupture an anal sac, though. That leads to significant problems.
If you succeed, you should see an exudate exuding from the ducts. It
can vary from liquid to a thick paste and may be gray, tan, brown or
black and be normal. Blood or other colored exudates may indicate a
problem."
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Caring for Your Cairn Terrier - Once a month:
http://cairncroft.cairn.dk/new/care.htm
"Drain anal glands -- There are two anal sacs, one on either side of
the anus that gradually fill with a brown, smelly fluid. In
prehistoric times, some of this fluid passed out of the dog?s body
with each bowel movement and contributed to the marking of the dog?s
territorial boundaries.
Our modern dog foods do not contain the roughage necessary to
naturally drain these anal glands, so humans must literally lend a
hand. Lift the dog?s tail with one hand, while with the other hand,
hold a paper towel over the anus. Using your forefinger and thumb on
the anal sacs, squeeze firmly in and toward the center of the anus.
The anal fluid can exit rather explosively; hence the need for the
paper towel. Due to the foul smell of the anal fluid, some baby
powder applied to the anal area will make your Cairn sweet smelling
again.
Contrary to ?old wives tales? about worms, dogs scooting their bottoms
on the ground are really trying to drain their uncomfortably full anal
glands. As dogs age, the anal fluid becomes increasingly viscous,
often causing the glands to become impacted, leading to infection.
Therefore, older Cairns should have their anal glands drained as
frequently as every two weeks."
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He scoots his bottom on the floor - Does he have worms?
http://www.dog-pictures.co.uk/dog-grooming/dog-grooming-tips.shtml
"Not necessarily. His anal glands could be full or plugged and he is
trying to express them. These dandy little gems are found internally
on both sides of the rectum and are about the size of a pea. Any
larger than that can mean trouble. Infected glands need the attention
of a veterinarian. Using your thumb and forefinger you can do the job
for him and relieve his discomfort. Firm pressure upward and out will
produce the gland to expel any fluid build up. It does have an
unpleasant odor so have a tissue ready to catch it as it comes out.
This odor can contribute to why your dog stinks, even after taking him
to the groomers, as not all groomers will do this chore."
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What about anal glands?
http://www.suite101.com/discussion.cfm/dog_grooming/80056/latest/10
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Expressing the Anal Glands
http://www.bichonfriseusa.com/ref/analglandexpress.htm
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Anal Glands FAQ.
http://www.inkabijou.co.uk/anal.htm
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keyword search:
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Best regards,
tlspiegel |
