Question:

How long and how much does anal expressing take?

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I suspect my dachshund Alfie had impacted anal sacs.. he is scooting along the carpet, often leaving poo marks. I have washed him gently and you can't see any poo anymore, and doesn't smell. Just wondering how much it is and how long it takes? Cost is no problem, I'm just curious because this is the first time I have been to the Vet with him.

Also any ways to prevent it from happening again? He gets a good diet of kibble, meat and veggies so I don't know what I've done wrong.

Thanks so much.

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  1. Milly has to have hers done regularly, but I'm not sure how much it costs.

    She normally has it done once a month when she has her immunotherapy injection and her ears checked for any infection. it's all covered by her insurance.

    It only takes a few minutes, it's just a case of, put the rubber gloves on (at this stage Milly's got her bottom firmly planted on the floor!) insert a finger up the bottom, and squeeze the glands to express all the fluid, being careful to catch it all in a big wad of cotton wool before it all splats on the floor! and don't forget to prepare yourself for the smell, really bad.

    The vet will be able to tell if the fluid is infected, and if it is Alfie will need antibiotics.

    I've started adding some bran to Milly's diet, I just get a box of All Bran from Tesco's, it has helped a little. The vet also recommended Psyllium Husks which you can get from Holland and Barratt, or any health food shop.

    For 100g dry food add 16g bran and 4g Psyllium

    For 100g wet food add 4g bran and 1g Psyllium

    but if you ask your vet they should be able to help.

    Although Milly is a scavenger and will eat anything she finds, dead or alive!

    This causes her poo to be a little soft and also diarohhea, which doesn't help her anal glands.

    It's not always their diet that causes the problem, sometimes it's the fluid in the glands that becomes too thick, and then the glands are unable to release it, and it builds up, there's nothing you can do to stop this, the only thing to be done is to get them expressed.

    If you give the vets a ring they'll be able to tell you the cost.  


  2. it only takes a few seconds on each side.. 2 or 3 minutes tops! it also doesnt usually cost anything extra if done during a general exam. the most it will cost extra is 5-10 dollars. if your dog has impacted glands they can't always be expressed and may require a surgical fix.

  3. You haven't done anything wrong...some dogs are more susceptible to the build up. You can take him to a groomer or the vet and it'll only take a few minutes. Shouldn't cost much at all...I don't know how to convert, but they only charge like $15-20. here depending on where you go.

  4. Anal sacs are easily expressed by a vet or groomer as long as they are not impacted or infected. It only takes a few seconds to express them and the cost will probably be included in the exam unless they are real bad. There really isn't any prevention for anal sacs, all animals have them and some have to be expressed more than others.

    http://www.metpet.com/Reference/Health%2...

  5. It's pretty cheap. I can't remember the exact cost, but I do remember it wasn't much at all. I'm thinking it was under $10. And it's quick, takes under a minute if the person doing it is "skilled." No longer than a few minutes.

    I had the same problem with one of my Doxies for the first few months after bringing her home as a pup. The problem went away after I switched to a super high-quality kibble (Orijen) and began giving her carrots on a daily basis (both of which will firm up the stool, which helps the glands express naturally). She hasn't had a problem since. But some Doxies and other small breeds are just susceptible to anal issues for no real reason, so it may not be anything you're doing wrong.

  6. Depending how full they are and how thick the material inside is the actual expressing takes anywhere from 2-7 mins. Hopefully they are just in need of being expressed and not impacted which would require much more extensive treatment.

    Cost for a routine expression around $15-$25

    Anal gland issues can be caused by many things, allergies, diet, obesity, etc. You can try feeding a higher fiber food to firm up the stool so hopefully it will empty the glands during her bowel movement (like it's supposed to). Some dogs unfortunately have recurrent issues with them (I've seemed to notice beagles, doxies, and chihuahuas with the most frequent issues, unsure if genetics play a role as well)

    good luck

  7. This is a common problem with small breeds.  It is a quick and easy procedure to express them, only takes a couple of minutes.  You can add a tablespoon of canned pumpkin (plain not the pie filling) to his diet once or twice a day to add some fiber to his diet.  The glands should express normally when you dog defecates but sometimes small dogs have issues.  Allergies can sometimes cause anal gland issues as well.  If it is a recurring problem talk to your vet about some management options.  

  8. It takes no time at all.  When I take Cubby in, I don't even think he's back there more than 2 minutes total, and they wash up his backside afterwards to make sure it's not smelly.  If this is the case, he may just need to have this routinely done.  I have to take Cub about once every month or two.  You did nothing wrong, this just happens with certain dogs sometimes.  

    Also, if you have a groomer, usually the groomer can take care of this for you too, so you don't have to go to the vet every time.  But it is a good idea to go the first time to make sure this is what is causing the problem.  My groomer only charges $12 to do this, which isn't too bad.

  9. It only takes a few minutes and your vet can teach you to do it if you are willing.  It isn't the nicest of jobs.  You have to hold the dog still and hold paper towels or rags behind the dog to catch the gunk.  It really stinks too but if you're up to it, not a long process.  

  10. I dont know how much a vet will charge to do it..  but it doesnt take longer than a few mins.

    Small dogs have a harder time emptying their anal glands than larger breeds for some reason.  The vet can show you how to do it so you can keep the glands expressed to prevent them from becoming impacted and infected in the future.

    Its not a pleasant job.. but not difficult to do.

  11. Boy this made me laugh...sorry.

    I brought my mini doxie to the vet because of the worst fish smell seeping  from her rear end..literally. I thought she had an infection or something.

    Thank god I was the last appointmentt of the day because when he squeezed her anal gland ( about 10 seconds)  the smell was horrific. My vet said little dog's have issues sometimes and need "help". Some dogs can actually have the sac removed if its really bothersome.

    Hope that was helpful. Oh it usually only costs a few bucks and the cost of a visit..  

  12. it really only take a few seconds or so 5 min at the max...you cant stop it, its like a butt pimple that keeps coming back

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