Anal Sac Disease

[Loolah Bell]

My 11 month old female bulldog just recently got back from the vet specialist who suggested that she have her anal sacs removed. They have been causing nonstop problems for months, as well as causing fistulas, which he thinks are related. She's been on antibiotics because they appeared to be infected and still swollen even after they were expressed. I opted for a different medication before agreeing to having them removed. Has anyone else experienced a similar situation?

 

[Cooper11]

I have no experience with this or ever heard about it. I didn't know you cold remove them
[MENTION=2]desertskybulldogs[/MENTION] might know or she might know some one to tag that is familiar with it! Or maybe [MENTION=1034]BruceP[/MENTION]

 

[Davidh]

I have no experience with this, but do hope your girl does get better soon.

 

[BruceP]

[MENTION=900]KMARINO[/MENTION] has to have her bullie's anal glands expressed on a regular basis. Perhaps she can help.

Anyway, to EBN even if it is under a stressful circumstance.. I sure hope someone here can give you more specific information. It is a common problem with bullies but I think it rarely needs surgery . Thanx for joining and I hope you find what you need to know.

 

[Fontanafox]

My mixed dog Louie (French Bulldog/Boston Terrier) has had anal gland problems for a long time. He frequently gets his glands expressed at the vets but he would still scoot a lot. Vet says he could surgically remove them but it would cause more problems than help. From what I understand when your dog is pooing it massages those glands to excrete some substance (which I think is a kind of scenting), so my dog always had soft serve to runny poo his whole life. I tried rice but it still didn't seem like it was helping much. He eats what my bulldogs eat now...Solid Gold Millenium Beef and Barley (grain free). After some thought I decided to try probiotics (to help with digestion in case that was the first cause), psyllium husk capsules and Osteo-Form Tablet (1/2). So far his poop is very firm and his scooting has stopped completely. His anal glands have never been infected though so I don't know if it would help your dog at this point.

 

[Corlando465]

My Shih-tsu used to have problems with his glands. The vet said these are the same glands that in skunks cause them to spray, only skunks glands are more developed. Anyway, he said they could be removed but there is a risk of damaging the anal sphincter and then your dog would lose the ability to control his bowels. I think it is a last option choice only.

 

[ChanelnBrutus]

I havent heard of this before! Just wanted to say , hope alll goes well

 

[rainyruth]

Oh that sounds painful! Sure hope you find an option other than surgery, the suggestion from [MENTION=1760]Fontanafox[/MENTION] sounds logical to me. Welcome to you and Loolah Bell, I have a girl named Talulah Belle

 

[Loolah Bell]

I've been adding pumpkin to her diet to compensate for the additional fiber, but her bowels have never been abnormal to begin with. Hopefully the new meds work without removal but I guess only time will tell. Thanks for the feedback everyone. I appreciate it.

 

[bullmama]

I do remember others who have had this done but not sure who it was.

I would not opt to do it with just one infection, (only because I hate to put them under anesthesia unless absolutely needed) but if you are having reoccurring problems with it, this option may be better for both of you.

 

[Saalwi]

I had a yellow lab who had chronic infections for a couple of years and we did opt to have his anal sacs removed. He did well and never had another problem with that particular part of the anatomy. I also think he was about nine or ten at the time of the surgery. My only advice would be to say it's got to be a chronic problem before surgery should be considered and find a great surgeon to perform the procedure if that's what you decide.

 

[kazzy220]

I too have no experience of this but I do hope that it works out well for you both. If in doubt go and get a second opinion from another vet!!

 

[KMARINO]

Although Vegas does have to have his anal glands internally expressed on an average about every 5-6 weeks, he has never had an infection [MENTION=1034]BruceP[/MENTION]. Thank god for that. I think for me I would be getting a second opinion on having them removed. Just my opinion.

 

[GRACIE11]

Just wanted too say hopefully you get this figured out soon

 

[Loolah Bell]

She has already been to her regular vet multiple times for this and on meds since December. The Dr. referred me to a referral only animal hospital. I called for a second opinion at another vet I've dealt with and they suggested that I also take her to the same hospital, as they refer all of their patients there as well when the regular vet can no longer address the situation. I think they're opting to remove them because of the fistulas (small tunnel-like open sores) that have developed and increased in size even with treatment of antibiotics. Fingers crossed that meds alone can help!