anal gland expression

[kjltke1]

I believe my dog's anal gland requires expressing. However, this being the day before Thanksgiving, I'm not sure if I will be able to get it expressed in the next 36 hours. Is this OK or should we go to the emergency vet?!

 

[nanabear]

Should you want to try it yourself......here's just one of many links on the web.

http://www.homestead.com/bulldogsworld/anal.html

If I were going to do this, I would do so in the bathtub - ready to wash the rest of the dog and anything that might get on him or you.

 

[PawPrintBoxers]

You can do it yourself. My vet showed me how but I still won't do it.
2 reasons:

1. ewwww

2. EEWWWWWW!

 

[kjltke1]

Since I agree with PawPrintBoxers on the ewwwww factor, is it detrimental for his health or well-being to wait until Friday to go to the Vet??

 

[kjltke1]

HELP!!! It exploded and is a viscous bloody mixture. Any input??

 

[PawPrintBoxers]

HELP!!! It exploded and is a viscous bloody mixture. Any input??

Did your Boxer have a swollen area outside of their anus before you squeezed it?

 

[kjltke1]

We have an appointment for the vet today. The area was swollen and erupted on its own. It all occurred within 24 hours. I can't believe how quickly it came to head. He doesn't seem to be bothered by it at all. I'll keep you posted.

 

[PawPrintBoxers]

We have an appointment for the vet today. The area was swollen and erupted on its own. It all occurred within 24 hours. I can't believe how quickly it came to head. He doesn't seem to be bothered by it at all. I'll keep you posted.

That's the problem. You had an impacted anal gland which abcessed (sp?) and has now ruptured. Infection is a large risk right now. Keep him indoors until it is time to go to the vet. Outside to potty and then right back in.

More than likely your vet will have to go in and try to clean it up now, surgically. It is pretty simple for most vets.

 

[Albie]

Lacy has had impacted anal glands twice before. Both times required oral antibiotics and an antibiotic ointment externally to the affected anal gland. One of the impacted glands did ooze a bloody fluid, but never broke open. I thought it looked incredibly painful, but Lacy didn't seem to be bothered by the problem. Lacy now goes every three months to have her anal glands expressed by the vet.

 

[kjltke1]

Thank you for your help. It was an abcessed gland and he is now on an oral antibiotic for ten days and a topical one as well. He received a steroidal injection for inflammation and an oral painkiller and is now sleeping quietly. You guys nailed it on the head. Thanks again.