Anal sacculectomy is a delicate procedure that can only be performed by a veterinary surgeon, which means the expected cost of this surgery is going to be about $1,000 to $2,000. The price will vary depending on the difficulty of the removal and how long your pet needs to remain in the hospital.
Anal gland expression is a quick and painless — but important — procedure for many dogs. Let's take a look at everything you need to know about anal gland expression in dogs. At Essentials PetCare, our experienced technicians can safely and quickly perform your dog's anal gland expression for only $25.
Most dogs involuntarily express their anal glands. If a dog's nutritional needs are being met with high-quality food, and they maintain a healthy weight and get plenty of exercise, they should not need to have their anal glands expressed. If your dog is not having an issue, there is nothing you need to do.
Groomers express anal glands differently from veterinarians. Groomers typically perform external anal gland expression, meaning that they put pressure on the outside of the glands to push the fluid out. This method may partially empty the glands, but some fluid can remain.
Blocked anal glands in dogs are smelly and uncomfortable and may result in them doing the dreaded 'scoot' along the ground, trying to empty them. The glands can become completely blocked, or impacted, which may lead to infection. This can be extremely painful and make the dog feel ill.
Then you see your dog scooting his bum on the ground or licking around the area. If the anal glands are not emptied they can become impacted and an abscess can form, which then bursts through the skin leaving a smelly, bloody, painful mess.
WHAT DOGS NEED THIS SERVICE? Certain breeds (usually on the small side) are more likely to need monthly, manual expression of their glands: Chihuahuas, Toy and Miniature Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Lhasa Apsos, Basset Hounds, and Beagles top the list. However, anal gland issues can affect dogs of all sizes.
Dogs can feel this built up pressure and will try to express their anal glands on their own. They can do this by scooting their butt across the floor or by chewing and licking at the rectal area.
Expressing anal glands is a smelly—and sometimes messy—part of grooming, so most owners prefer to have it done by a groomer or at the vet clinic. However, it is something you can do at home and isn't too challenging.
Some dogs never require manual expression of their anal sacs, while other dogs require expression every 3-4 weeks. If you notice signs of discomfort in your pet, such as frequent licking of the bottom, scooting of the bottom on the ground, or a stiff-legged or hunched posture, they may need their anal sacs expressed.
Anal glands usually get blocked when your pet is over-weight, sedentary, and if your pet's poos are too small. They mainly block when there is inadequate fibre in the diet. Exercise also helps by moving poo through the digestive tract faster so the colon doesn't shrink it by absorbing too much water on the way out.
It is important to use pet wipes specifically formulated for dogs. Most wipes such as baby wipes contain an ingredient called Propylene Glycol that could harm your dog (especially if your dog is a licker). Make sure to read the 'wipes label' before using on your dog.
Be on the lookout for the following signs: Your dog is scooting on the carpet. Your dog is licking his bottom a lot. If your dog's glands are really full, they may leak out a stinky, pungent smell.
Symptoms of a blocked anal gland include: Scooting - rubbing the bottom (anus) on the ground. A foul, fishy smell. Nibbling and licking the anus and/or lower back.
Your vet can manually express the glands – a smelly process Your vet or a groomer can teach you how to do it, if you're up to the challenge. But most owners prefer to pay to have it done.
Your veterinarian or a veterinary technician will reach just inside your dog's anus, gently compress the impacted anal gland, and release the contents. Your vet can usually tell if the gland's contents are normal or not by their color, consistency, and odor. Normal anal gland material is often muddy brown in color.
Dogs vary in their production of anal gland secretion, so some effected dogs only need this done every few months, particularly if the glands occasionally express on their own, whereas other dog's glands may fill up in just a week or two.
A dog's physical anatomy is slightly different than the anatomy of humans, which may be why we need to always wipe and they do not have to. I know this sounds quite odd but a dog should not need their bottom wiped unless it is messy or they are sick. They made need added help if they have diarrhea.
Once debris is softened with warm water, it can usually just be rinsed or gently wiped away. Pre-moistened wipes or a washcloth can help between baths. Dogs recovering from a bout of diarrhea or who have constant soft stool due to chronic bowel issues may need a periodic clean-up.
In order to express your dog's anal glands at home you will need a pair of disposable plastic or latex gloves, Vaseline or some other lubricant, paper towels and a warm soapy washcloth.
Fiber supplements
Small breeds or dogs who struggle with full anal glands regularly should take fiber supplements daily. For dogs already showing signs of anal gland impaction, a vet-strength fiber supplement can bulk up the stools to support natural anal gland expression.
Weetabix is not the way to achieve this and is not a suitable fibre source for your dog. It is made primarily from wheat with added sugar and salt for the human palate. Many more sources of natural fibre are available for your dog.