Anal glands??
- Thread starter shaunamarie
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Jill's boxer
Banned
If you look closely at your dog's rectum, you will see two very small "holes" on either side of their rectum opening. These are the openings to the anal glands. (the "holes" are about the size of a pierced ear opening, for lack of a better description!) If the glands need expressing, you will be able to feel to either side of those little openings that they are full--the "glands" will feel like pea-sized or slightly larger if they need expressing. If you do express them, as the others have already said--the smell is not very pleasant and it lingers....its best to do it at bath time and in the tub preferably in case they "shoot" it will be much easier to clean up!
Most dogs express their glands on their own when they have a bowel movement. some dogs--not all--need a bit of help in that department from time to time. many small toy breed dogs (toy poodles and chihuahuas especially) are notorious for having problems with their anal glands. Normal anal sac discharge should be clear or pale yellowish in color; if it is thick, pasty or brownish or greenish-yellow in color than there may be an infection or impaction. In those cases, the vet will need to be sure that they are fully expressed and then instill an antibiotic ointment into the infected sacs.
Most dogs express their glands on their own when they have a bowel movement. some dogs--not all--need a bit of help in that department from time to time. many small toy breed dogs (toy poodles and chihuahuas especially) are notorious for having problems with their anal glands. Normal anal sac discharge should be clear or pale yellowish in color; if it is thick, pasty or brownish or greenish-yellow in color than there may be an infection or impaction. In those cases, the vet will need to be sure that they are fully expressed and then instill an antibiotic ointment into the infected sacs.
CoopersKeepR
Banned
Jill has given a perfect explanation! I am an ex-groomer and have been sitting here contemplating how I was going to describe this most delicate, but necessary, procedure.
One word of caution....as you hold the nubby tail up, once you have found the two pea size glands on either side, cup your squeezing hand against the tail - in a way that covers the open space between the upheld tail and your hand. If you don't, and you squeeze, well there's no telling where the "juice" is going to land and believe me an anal gland shot to the face is an experience I would not wish on my worst enemy :D
One word of caution....as you hold the nubby tail up, once you have found the two pea size glands on either side, cup your squeezing hand against the tail - in a way that covers the open space between the upheld tail and your hand. If you don't, and you squeeze, well there's no telling where the "juice" is going to land and believe me an anal gland shot to the face is an experience I would not wish on my worst enemy :D
SandyHG55654
Banned
JILL: All joking aside I'm not sure weather to be impressed or disgusted by the knowledge you have on this matter. I would never think to look so close to find ear piercing sized holes there! I never thought I would have to know so much about that end of a dog. I also thought it was only the little dogs you mentioned that needed this done not Boxers. Thanks for the info! 
Jill's boxer
Banned
dozersmommy said:JILL: All joking aside I'm not sure weather to be impressed or disgusted by the knowledge you have on this matter. I would never think to look so close to find ear piercing sized holes there! I never thought I would have to know so much about that end of a dog. I also thought it was only the little dogs you mentioned that needed this done not Boxers. Thanks for the info!
I have been a vet tech for too many years and unfortunately been up close and personal with more dog butts than I care to count!
As to whether or not your dog needs it done--it really depends on the individual dog (althought diet will play a large part in the equation too!) whether or not they will need help in this area!As CooperKeepR said--it can be messy and it can "shoot"--I always hold a wad of tissue in my hand over the area as I express the glands to catch any spray and avoid getting hit! Definitely NOT something you ever want to experience! :eek: Sadly I have been "juiced" a few times--in your hair is no picnic either! Luckily I always keep spare scrubs handy for quick changes and have no qualms about washing my hair with doggie shampoo in the treatment sink!
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SandyHG55654
Banned
Thanks Jill, I knew you were a vet tech from your other posts but for some reason I was getting worried thinking this was something that HAD to be done periodically and I was overlooking it. I wouldn't want to be not doing something I should because of ignorance. I feel now that it isn't something I need to worry about since they don't lick there or really have anything else happening other than making a mine field of my grassJill's boxer said:I have been a vet tech for too many years and unfortunately been up close and personal with more dog butts than I care to count!
But I will keep it in mind in the future now that I know what to look for. I WILL be paying someone else to do it too! Thanks again!Jill's boxer
Banned
dozersmommy said:I WILL be paying someone else to do it too!
C'mon India--where's your sense of adventure?! You haven't truly experienced all life has to offer until you have been "juiced"--nothing like being the "butt of the joke" so to speak! LOL
SandyHG55654
Banned
I'm saving up the juice for when you come down here in June! I know with all of your experience you would love to give my guys both a freebee! LOL! I'll bring the glovesJill's boxer said:C'mon India--where's your sense of adventure?! You haven't truly experienced all life has to offer until you have been "juiced"--nothing like being the "butt of the joke" so to speak! LOL
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