The dreaded anal glands ......... sorry!

[debbie321]

Ben has had his emptied by a vet twice (has to have a vet appt not just a nurse one)    The last vet I saw was brilliant and taught me how to do it.  Trouble is, he is now scooting once a night and grumbling while he does it.  I've managed to feel the glands .............. sorry if you are eating ................. look away now!!!

I manage to feel them and squeeze but nothing happens - other than a worried looking Ben    (and me standing there in my marrigolds with a lot of kitchen roll)  I'm so worried that I'll use too much pressure and do damage?  Does anyone else take the DIY route or do you go for a vet appt?

[leisl]

I get my vet or my next door neighbour to do it (I have great neighbours!!).  I have been shown but I would rather pay the vet.  I think you sort of have to get your fingers behind it ie if you are squeezing a spot you know try and get under it.

However, being a novice and if he is actually sore I may return to the vet.  The fact that he has done it twice already this week may indicate there is an underlying problem.  Have you changed his food recently?

[debbie321]

Sorry - didn't make it clear.  Ben has had his glands emptied twice in his life (he's 19 months),once at the vets recommendation and once at my request.  I don't think he has a serious problem but he has been scooting once a night ....... nice!

He also went for a dog that dared sniff his bum - they all do that as a way of greeting so I think they may be full or sore?  Maybe another lesson is in order before I go down the DIY route - or I have to get braver and go for it myself!

[spanielcrazy]

I go the DYI route, they can take quite a bit of pressure (the glands can, the dog won't think so, you'll need someone to hold him) About the amount of pressure required to crush a grape is about right, which will actually feel like quite a lot to you when you have his bum in your hand  They do also sometimes roll out of your fingers so you have to get quite a firm grasp on them

Um, ermm, I assume your'e using the method where your fingers are outside his body? There is another way, if you're not having any luck that way and are interested and not squeamish

[debbie321]

I go the DYI route, they can take quite a bit of pressure (the glands can, the dog won't think so, you'll need someone to hold him) About the amount of pressure required to crush a grape is about right, which will actually feel like quite a lot to you when you have his bum in your hand  They do also sometimes roll out of your fingers so you have to get quite a firm grasp on them

Um, ermm, I assume your'e using the method where your fingers are outside his body? There is another way, if you're not having any luck that way and are interested and not squeamish

Sorry but that is a bit too much for me!!!!  The vet did say that I was lucky in the fact that they were easily done as they were postitioned high and not that deep.  I think it just me wimping out     I will take him to the vet if tomorrow doesn't work ................. I just begrudge paying a vet consultation for something so simple ............. and something I have been taught to do (although knowing what to do in theory doesn't always work in practice 

[Sheryl]

The vet did tell me that he would show me how to empty the anal glands but I told him not to bother and that I have seen his face when he does it  

[LouiseAS]

Meg has anal gland problems (although not so much since on raw diet) and I don't empty them myself.  Really don't fancy it 

[debbie321]

The vet did tell me that he would show me how to empty the anal glands but I told him not to bother and that I have seen his face when he does it  

  Yeah - a bit worried as both times they quickly binned the cotton wool without me seeing the contents 

I also read a thread where someone (can't remember who) did this her/himself and sprayed the nearby window    I just get cross with myself as I know whats wrong and what to do about it.  I'm also not that well off and would like to do this one thing without paying for a consultation fee - the surgery won't book a nurse appt without seeing the vet first 

[Tori]

I do mine myself, but hey i was a groomer for 10yrs    i empty them from the outside, but most vets at work empty them by inserting a finger gently and doing it form the inside out   Whatever your method please beware of the brown liquid and aim away form yourself...believe me the is no smell worse to get on your clothes or god forbid you face   Got to say tho that Otis' A/G were terrible as a youngester as well as have the most awful skin problem....I had him blood tested for allergies, which showed that he is allergic to most meats   changed his diet and his skin and a/g's have been fine since


Good luck whatever you choose

[lexi]

I empty Holly's myself - she has a chronic problem - about every 4-6 weeks, as suggested by my vet.
I use the "inside going outward" method as described by Tori with surgical gloves and have, to date, never been squirted. Having said that...

When you have the anal gland between your thumb and forefinger then be careful not to block the duct with your finger. Apply more pressure to the tip of your finger and not the pad.
Better yet, go back to the vet's for some coaching if you're feeling insecure about doing the procedure yourself. (I went twice.)

[Joelf]

Um, ermm, I assume your'e using the method where your fingers are outside his body? There is another way, if you're not having any luck that way and are interested and not squeamish

My vet showed me how to empty them by inserting a finger inside; I must admit I've never actually done this on a cocker only on the labs where there is a little bit more room to manoeuvre!!