Dog Anal Glands

Ailments of the anal glands, also called pouches, are among the most common troubles with dogs. The normal secretion of these small glands is a yellowish or brownish liquid that is expressed by muscles when the dog is frightened. If too much secretion accumulates in the glands, the dog often sits down and drags itself along in order to force the liquid out. This puts pressure on the glands, and the fluid oozes out and is wiped on the ground, the rug, or elsewhere.

If the dog is unable to squeeze the fluid out, the glands swell with the accumulation and then become thick with bacterial growth. It maybe thick, black, and sticky, or thin, yellow, and filled with curds, or gray and dry, or brown and thick, almost like feces. The glands, instead of being of any use as secretory organs, become pouches causing trouble.

It is difficult to say how much harm is done by the accumulation that develops in anal pouches. It hardly seems possible, however, that such vile material could be retained in these glands without some of their toxins becoming absorbed to the detriment of the dog.

Expressing the gland contents is so simple that anyone cans do it if hoer she is not too squeamish. First locate the glands. They feel like small or large lumps in the skin, one on each side and below the anus. Spread piece of absorbent cotton over the hand that will cover the anus .Squeezing with the thumb and index finger behind and slightly below the glands forces the liquid or gummy contents out of the ducts through the opening of the anus onto the cotton.

But be sure that the cotton is held over the anus. If you neglect this,the stuff may spurt and soil you badly. The odor is extremely obnoxious and stays in cloth for a long while.

Fat dogs are difficult to treat because it is so hard to feel the glands;in these cases a veterinarian should be employed to do the job. In some cases he may have to insert one finger inside the anus and squeeze from both sides.

Once thoroughly cleaned out, and kept cleaned out, the glands shrink considerably, so that the dog no longer drags its rear along the ground an activity which, incidentally, is your best indication that his glands need expressing.

There are occasions when the accumulations of debris in an anal gland becomes infected and an abscess forms. First evidence is the dog's constant licking of the spot. It be-comes red, distended, and smooth wills a soft center. It is too sore for the dog to sit and drag himself. Some dogs run about uneasily, as if unable to have a comfortable moment.

If the abscess is untreated and ruptures of its own accord, a large,slow-healing opening is left which discharges for days and occasions incessant licking. The dog is likely to leave a spot everywhere he sits.But when the abscess is opened surgically and flushed out deeply everyday, it will usually heal rapidly and leave no scar.

There are cases where the anal glands become so troublesome they should be removed surgically by your veterinarian, who can do it wit hone of several ingenious methods. This ends the nuisance permanently.