Anal Sacs - Will my dog ever stop scooting?

Post by Zoe Forward, DVM, Dipl. ABVP (canine/feline)



Is your dog scooting and licking at her hind end? Perhaps she is emitted a foul odor reminiscent of dead fish? That indicates the anal sacs are irritated or too full. Maybe you already know this and find you need to have your dog in to the vet every 4 to 6 weeks to have those glands expressed? Sometimes the anal sacs experience an overproduction of secretion that leads to this scenario. But expressing them on a routine basis when your dog is not showing signs they bother her may not always be the best plan. If this is a NEW problem, then your dog may have an anal sac infection that needs medication.

THE BASICS

What are the anal sacs? Popularly called "anal glands", these are two small pouches located on either side of the anus at approximately 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock positions. The sacs are lined with numerous specialized sebaceous glands that produce a foul smelling secretion.

What's their function? The anal sac secretion acts as a territorial marker or could be seen as a dog's "calling card." The sacs are present in both male and female dogs, and are normally emptied when a dog defecates. This is why dogs are so interested in smelling each other's stool.


WHAT TO DO?
NEW PROBLEM: Bring your dog in for an exam with her veterinarian. She may have an infection that needs treatment. If not, then you can discuss long-term strategy to help your dog naturally express her anal sacs.

OLD PROBLEM, NOT INFECTION: Treating overproduction of anal sac fluid can be handled either by frequent manual evacuation of the anal sacs, or increasing fiber therapy. If frequent anal sac expression is chosen, please remember that the more often the dog's anal sacs are expressed, then the more likely she will be to need them expressed. The body will adjust to frequent expression and produce more secretion. This is not an ideal scenario.

Please phone to consult with us on how to increase your dog's fiber therapy, if you think this is what your dog needs: (704)220-0226.

WHEN IS IT TIME TO GO TO THE VET?

Guest post by Jessica Fellers, DVM

Sometimes it is tough to know when to make an appointment with your veterinarian for your pet. What symptoms should cause the most concern or even warrant a trip to the emergency clinic in the middle of the night? The most important thing you need to know is ask, ask, ask. Call us at (704) 220-0226 with any questions you may have.  It's always better to make an appointment, have your pet examined, and find out that your pet is fine. Peace of mind is of great value!

There are times when it is obvious that emergency care is necessary, such as traumatic injury, severe bite wounds, difficulty breathing, seizures, collapse etc. But what are some things that you can do, to help you to decide, when you aren’t so sure?

GUIDELINES FOR AT HOME TO KNOW WHEN TO HAVE YOUR PET SEEN:

If your pet allows you to safely take a rectal temperature with a digital thermometer, apply a small amount of petroleum jelly, and gently insert only the small metal tip. Normal values are between 100F to 102.5F for cats and dogs. Temperatures above or below these values indicate your pet needs to be checked by your veterinarian ASAP. A dry or wet nose is of little value. Also, if you can safely lift your pet’s lip and check their gums, they should appear pink, not red, yellow or white/pale. You can also gently press on the gums with your fingertip. It will briefly turn white, but should return to pink in less than 2 seconds. Three seconds or greater is a concern.

If your pet has ingested anything other than their normal food and treats, please call to find out if treatment is necessary. Items of significant concern include chocolate (especially dark), macadamia nuts, grapes, raisins, xylitol-containing chewing gums, homemade play dough, paintballs, fertilizer, rat poison, etc. Some of these can result in death if not addressed immediately. Please bring in the bag, wrapping, label, etc. for the product. This can be a critical piece of information.

Never give human medications without consulting a veterinarian. If you feel tempted to open your medicine cabinet, give us a call first. If there is an accidental ingestion of medications or supplements, please call to be sure they are safe.

A few instances of vomiting or diarrhea are not likely to be a concern unless your pet is not acting normally. If there are more than 2-3 episodes it is time to make an appointment.

 Anytime your pet has difficulty urinating, especially male cats, please bring them in immediately. This may also appear as vocalizing or even hiding.

Pain may not always be easy to assess. Some symptoms include restlessness, panting, not eating, whining, loss of appetite, acting withdrawn, aggression, or hiding.

Injuries to the eye should be taken seriously and treated quickly. Look for squinting, tearing, cloudiness, rubbing, or sudden loss of vision.

Since our pets can’t tell us when they don’t feel well, we have to be knowledgeable of signs that they need our help. Your pet’s safety and your peace of mind are important to us. Call us with your questions, we are here to help.