Embarrasing .. squeezing glands??

[zztopp]

Kassie, my 5-year-old Golden Retriever, has started 'scooting' her butt across the floor and ground sometimes. My dad said that it probably had to do with her needing her glands squeezed?!

I'm assuming its the urinary glands? Is this a vet procedure? Or a do-it-yourself? Or dog groomer maybe??!

This is the first female dog I've had ever. The last female we had in the house, was my sisters and I was too young to be involved in this sort of 'care' for her!!

Help please!!!!!

[hazelrunpack]

She may need her anal glands expressed. I gotta warn you, a lot of people find the process messy and stinky. Best to have the vet show you the first time--he'll be able to determine if that's really the problem and, if it is, will show you how to express the glands safely if you ask him to. If it is the anal glands, many people prefer to pay money to have a vet or a groomer do the job for them.

[zztopp]

Messy and stinky I can deal with Our horses have some similar 'gross out' jobs similar to, but slightly different ... and bigger

I'm going to ask my sister (who had a female dog) whether she was ever shown how to sqeeze the glands. Our vet is a bit ... expensive, to say the least. I'd rather not spend $90 + for a simple job like this.

[Mamakicia]

Excuse my ignorance but does this ever need to be done for cats? I once caught my kitty scooting across the floor - but it was just the once and she did happen to have diarrhea at the time, with a little stuck to her bum .

[t.pettet]

Your groomer can do the job for about $10 - thats what I charge and will show you how to do them yourself.

[Frenchy]

Originally Posted by zztopp

Messy and stinky I can deal with

I would advise you to take your dog to the vet or a groomer so they can show you how it's done. It can be unhealthy for your dog if not done properly.

[Element~5]

Something that you can definitely do on your own, if you are taught how to do it properly and if you're up for the task. Scooting is a for sure sign of needing anal glands expressed. Talk to your vet, s/he will explain it to you and show you how you can do it on your own if you'd like. Have fun and good luck!

[Boubou]

All dogs have anal sacs - one on each side of the rectum. They are used as scent glands. When dogs smell each others bums, they can identify each other by this smell. Whenever a dog deficates, a little bit of the anal sac liquid is mixed in with the poop, leaving behind glorious odors for others to smell so that they'll know who's poop is who's.

Problems arise when the anal gland is overly stimulated and the sac fills up with liquid and the dog can't empty them himself. At first, the bum is itchy and the dog 'scoots' around on the floor or licks his rear to relieve himself. If the condition continues and the sac doesn't get emptied, it can get impacted and a very painful infection can occur. Sometimes the infection bursts the sac and you'll see an abcess close to the rectum....

Now, that's probably more info than you wanted to know, and all that being said, it doesn't mean that your dog will suffer to that extent. Maybe her bum is just itchy, or she has been able to empty her sacs by scooting. But if it persists, I'd take her to a qualified groomer or a vet to have them checked!

[growler~GateKeeper]

Originally Posted by Mamakicia

Excuse my ignorance but does this ever need to be done for cats? I once caught my kitty scooting across the floor - but it was just the once and she did happen to have diarrhea at the time, with a little stuck to her bum .

Yes Cats sometimes do need to have them done too. The same issues dogs can get w/impacted anal glands can affect cats as well.

[Mamakicia]

Originally Posted by growler

Yes Cats sometimes do need to have them done too. The same issues dogs can get w/impacted anal glands can affect cats as well.

Thanks... Hopefully it won't happen to my kitties anytime soon!

[zztopp]

Boubou, I like to hear the (somewhat!) indepth explanations, so that was great Okay, a little gross 'cause I just finished my cereal, but ...

I guess I'll put a call into the groomer!

Interesting that cats require it too! Will have to watch for signs for them too I guess.

Thanks everyone!