pei obssessed Posted January 8, 2004 Share Posted January 8, 2004 Hippo has this "problem": she'll express her anal glands in the car, on the couch, in her bed etc. and it's not fun cleaning that up :evil: Talked to the vet about it and he emptied her anal sacs and said that the secretion looked clearer than with dogs that have normal secretions. But the anal sacs aren't inflamed or anything. He said there is a kind of treatment: he'd have to put something in her anal sacs while she's under anesthesia, but that it's not 100% guaranteed, and he wouldn't recommend doing it unless she was under for something else, which I agreed with. I mean, it stinks, but as long as it's not a health concern, we can live with it. Now what I was hoping from you guys... has anyone ever heard of this problem? and if so, do you know any ways of solving it by diet changes/additions, or by using natural products? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imported_Cassie Posted January 8, 2004 Share Posted January 8, 2004 Most dogs will empty their anal sac's with a bowel movement...its basically their own personal scent...alot of dogs also will empty their anal sac's when they are frightened or anxious...believe me, at the grooming shop and vet clinic I have been unfortunate enough to be behind the dog when they have emptied their glands.... :x Some breeds conformation predisposes them to anal gland problems as well...so some times its not just diet. Dogs with recurrent anal gland problems are often placed on a high fiber diet. The high fiber makes the animal's stool more bulky. The stool will put more pressure on the anal glands and hopefully the glands will express themselves when the animal defecates. There are several commercial brands of high fiber dog food available. Animals may also be supplemented with bran or medications such as Metamucil which will increase the bulk of the stool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellieangel Posted January 8, 2004 Share Posted January 8, 2004 Also you could add a handful of high bran breakfast cereal to Hippos' food to bulk her out. Rio empties his when he is frightened :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pei obssessed Posted January 8, 2004 Author Share Posted January 8, 2004 Thanks, gals :D I know Hippo doesn't empty them because she's anxious or excited, because she does it when she is relaxed (i.e. in the car, sleeping). I'll try the bran, and in about a month I'll be able to tell if it made a difference... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zac850 Posted January 10, 2004 Share Posted January 10, 2004 Or try some of those dipers for dogs when there in heat. That might help, just help with clean-up... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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