Anal glands

Waltzing Matilda · Post by **Waltzing Matilda** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 1:47 am

Hi All....Im sorry to join you on such a ickky thread....but does anyony know how to deal with them.Ive paid the vet to fix the problem with my lab at other visits...she told me I could do it myself...has anyone else had this problem with their puppet,,and how did you go about it:-3

Post by **spot** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 1:54 am

Here's some background, before the rubber glove experts pile in...

http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/showt ... hp?t=10424

http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8323

Have you got a digital camera? I think we should watch.

Waltzing Matilda · Post by **Waltzing Matilda** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 3:00 am

spot wrote: Here's some background, before the rubber glove experts pile in...

http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/showt ... hp?t=10424

http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8323

Have you got a digital camera? I think we should watch.Thank Spot..I should have thought to do a search:o As for the digi cam.........watch this space:)

Post by **spot** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 8:43 am

Waltzing Matilda wrote: Thank Spot..I should have thought to do a search:o As for the digi cam.........watch this space:)Don't apologize - there's a certain fascination watching a thread spin out from such unappetizing topics.

valerie · Post by **valerie** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 9:00 am

Hi, glad Spot could give you some sites... it would be a little difficult

to describe here.

But I just wanted to toss in a couple of things... first, are you sure

your dog needs it done? A lot of dogs, including my german shepherd,

don't. (Apologies in advance for the "ick" factor!) A common

indicator of impacted glands is the dog dragging its' heinie on the

floor/ground.

And another thing to consider is your dog's diet. Dogs on the better

diets often don't need anal glands done, either. Be wary of too much

"soft" foods (i.e. canned) and get a high quality kibble with good

amount of fiber. (I can rustle you up a list if you like)

I used to do this procedure quite often when I worked for a groomer's.

It's not the most pleasant thing in the world, but you'll get over it!

In addition to the gloves, you might want to keep Baby Wipes handy!

Good luck!!

Post by **spot** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 9:10 am

SnoozeControl wrote: Do humans ever need to have their anal glands squeezed?This may, of course, be a novel use of the word "need" that has never crossed my path before, but failing that... no.

valerie · Post by **valerie** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 9:14 am

I just looked at spot's threads, I didn't realize they were from here!

If you want to pm me I can try and describe the actual procedure itself.

AW, heck with that, I'll do it here in case there's other pet lovers out

there who need/want to try it.

Depending on how easy going your dog is, this might be a 2 person job.

And remember, good dogs get "cookies" after procedures! (Tamsen says

that's the RULE, momma!)

If you are trying to do it yourself, it's probably best to tie the dog. And

outside in fresh air will help. Grasp dog by base of tail. Place gloved

thumb and forefinger to either side of anus. In one motion, press up and

in (gently but firmly) with thumb and forefinger, and press down with

tail. (Here comes that ol' ick factor again) It is a little like a "pumping"

action. Repeat if necessary.

If all else fails, maybe you could get a live demo from your vet or groomer.

Whew!!

:-6

Post by **spot** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 9:27 am

SnoozeControl wrote: I take it you're an expert on this subject?:yh_eyebroI'm a constant student of humans and their needs, Snooze. Regarding anal glands I know no more than that each word exists in my dictionary. I had no idea that they could appear in the same sentence until today.

Waltzing Matilda · Post by **Waltzing Matilda** » Sat Apr 29, 2006 8:30 pm

valerie wrote: I just looked at spot's threads, I didn't realize they were from here!

If you want to pm me I can try and describe the actual procedure itself.

AW, heck with that, I'll do it here in case there's other pet lovers out

there who need/want to try it.

Depending on how easy going your dog is, this might be a 2 person job.

And remember, good dogs get "cookies" after procedures! (Tamsen says

that's the RULE, momma!)

If you are trying to do it yourself, it's probably best to tie the dog. And

outside in fresh air will help. Grasp dog by base of tail. Place gloved

thumb and forefinger to either side of anus. In one motion, press up and

in (gently but firmly) with thumb and forefinger, and press down with

tail. (Here comes that ol' ick factor again) It is a little like a "pumping"

action. Repeat if necessary.

If all else fails, maybe you could get a live demo from your vet or groomer.

Whew!!

:-6Thanks Valerie for the info:p ..Jake is due to have his annual shots in 2 weeks...so i,ll let his vet do the probe.

....and I dont think I will watch:p

Post by **spot** » Sat Apr 29, 2006 8:41 pm

Waltzing Matilda wrote: Thanks Valerie for the info:p ..Jake is due to have his annual shots in 2 weeks...so i,ll let his vet do the probe.

....and I dont think I will watch:pNeither would I - I hate wearing eye protectors, and the possible consequence of not doing doesn't bear thinking about.

Waltzing Matilda · Post by **Waltzing Matilda** » Sat Apr 29, 2006 8:46 pm

spot wrote: Neither would I - I hate wearing eye protectors, and the possible consequence of not doing doesn't bear thinking about.Yes Spot...one could have their eye taken out...by anal gland fluid

I dont even want to think about it:p