Anal Gland Removal in Dogs- Any Info Pls.

Re: Anal Gland Removal in Dogs- Any Info Pls.

Vicky RVN — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 01:47:43 GMT

We have a vet who does has done a few since i've worked at my practice (about 18 months) and all have gone well. She uses the gel kits to fill the anal glands. They get vetergesic and rimadyl as part of their premeds, not sure about post op pain relief or antib's, can't remember what she does. It must be such a hard decision for you, not one i'd want to make!

Re: Anal Gland Removal in Dogs- Any Info Pls.

Kerry Spain — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 22:09:36 GMT

Hello!

The last practice I worked at seemed to do a lot of them with good results. I have to say tho' the technique used was a little unorthodox as the vet in question used to fill the anal glands up with car body filler first! Although this sounds bizzare, it worked really well. The idea behind it is that you fill the sacs up with something that will 'set', this allows you to know the anatomy and dimensions of the anal glands so you know what to remove. Because the body filler is removed from the body along with the anal glands there is no risk of toxicity. I was a bit bemused when I first saw the technique but it works quite well... or you can buy a proper anal gland kit from one of the wholesale companies.

Re: Anal Gland Removal in Dogs- Any Info Pls.

Saskia Quinn — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:31:53 GMT

yes, good luck Mrs Dot Dot

Re: Anal Gland Removal in Dogs- Any Info Pls.

Dippy — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 05:57:42 GMT

Good luck and let us know what you decide and how your get on!

Re: Anal Gland Removal in Dogs- Any Info Pls.

Mrs Dot Dot — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:49:46 GMT

Thanks everyone for all your replies.... it's given me more things to think about.... I think I have to look into referring her for it... it also seems abit fairer to the vets that I work with, to do that, as it doesn't involve them if anything doesn't work out.

Re: Anal Gland Removal in Dogs- Any Info Pls.

katy coleman — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 22:40:21 GMT

my boss does these as routine surgery, she is a fantastic highly skilled surgeon.

It has been known on more than one occasion for her to do two in one day!

It does comes with risks there are some pretty important nerves in that area and one slip and you have an incontinent dog.

We have never had any problems post op ever. She has performed op on her own dog and on one of receptionists dogs I think.

We use a gel that is injected into the anal gland then it sets and goes hard and then it can be cut out easier.

I would never rush into this surgery and you would have to trust the surgeon 100% before you could even think about it.

Re: Anal Gland Removal in Dogs- Any Info Pls.

Noodle — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 21:55:22 GMT

i have worked in referral practice, and seen this done as a semi-routine op, and *can't recall* any post op complications.

it was a fair few years back, and they did an enema, used purse string sutures, and i think filled the a/g's with intrasite, and there was no overnight hospitalisation required.

the vets who did the op were all fab soft tissue surgeons, and count among the few that i would trust to treat my own animals.

to be honest, having never seen the op outside of referral practice, i was unaware of the high risk of post op complications - if in doubt, research and refer would be my humble opinion.

Re: Anal Gland Removal in Dogs- Any Info Pls.

nicky shoult — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 21:48:11 GMT

Ive seen loads of these done, with varied results. They either go really well with no problems, or they turn into a infected mess. The last bad one i saw ended up being referred for further surgery as it kept breaking down and the dog was in so much pain- it was awful.

My springer used to have problems with ag's, ive tried loads of diets on him and nothing really helped -he's now on Hills JD reduced calorie, with added wheatabix! and pro biotics and he seems much better!

If mine ever needed this kinda surgery i would always push for referral= there is just so much that can go wrong.

Re: Anal Gland Removal in Dogs- Any Info Pls.

Dippy — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 09:12:51 GMT

I can sympathise with that. I've worked for several vets in the past who I've loved as people but wouldn't let them near my own pets!

If you're looking at referral, why not see if anyone on here works for the practice you'd be going to? It may help to reassure you.

Re: Anal Gland Removal in Dogs- Any Info Pls.

Mrs Dot Dot — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 09:06:04 GMT

The dilema I have, is that the 2 vets I would trust to operate on her haven't done a/g removals inthe last few years..... both their soft tissue surgical skills are some of the best that I've ever worked with, eg when it comes to care and attention to detail, researching procedures, upto date with info etc and they wouldn't be offended if I referred her, as they aren't particularly keen to do the op, but I like the fact that I know how they work and I trust them..... and there aren't many vets that trust!

Re: Anal Gland Removal in Dogs- Any Info Pls.

Dippy — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 08:42:47 GMT

I know it doesn't directly answer the original question as it's not a dog, but my old British Blue was having to have her ag's emptied every month or so and had to be sedated every time as she was so feisty. Obviously I was extremely concerned how this would work long term and so had them removed. I can honestly say that it was the best thing I ever did for her BUT I worked for a vet at the time who was really into this op and was very good at it which I think is probably the key. Her recovery was excellent, buster collar for a week but nothing more than that, no obvious pain, no bothering with the area post op etc. If you decide to go ahead though, I would make sure that the vet performing the op has done plenty of them as they can be very fiddley!

Re: Anal Gland Removal in Dogs- Any Info Pls.

Mrs Dot Dot — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 01:24:26 GMT

Hi! Thanks for all the info so far... it seems that the procedure is carried out sucessfully alot of the time... I agree that the experience of the vet has alot to do with it, so whether I should get it done as a referral but then I would really stuggle not being involved with her... perhaps for the best or just a control thing! or just a past vet experience thing! Would have to do major investigations if I do go down that route, anyway!

Again hadn't thought about longterm scarring/ thickening of area etc if postponed op for a while so definately something else to think about... thanks everyone X

Re: Anal Gland Removal in Dogs- Any Info Pls.

Samantha Bell BSc(Hons) DipHE CVN DipAVN RVN VNA M — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 23:02:54 GMT

We regulary perform this procedure using the gel fill method, although we are a referral practice with a soft tissue surgeon, we have had no problems as far as I know with the procedure, but if your vets are not happy about carrying it out, I would suggest referral x

Re: Anal Gland Removal in Dogs- Any Info Pls.

Sharon Kelly — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 22:39:07 GMT

I too have worked in a practice where we did many anal gland removals, without the kit, but by a very good surgeon. I am sure that the experience of the surgeon is the key to the procedure being as atraumatic as possible.

Also I had my own Dalmatian's removed when she was about 18 months old after months and months of recurring blockages and infections and it was the best thing I've ever done!

The only thing I would say is the post op period (2-3 days) was more painful for her than I was expecting so I kept her dosed up on Vetergesic and Rimadyl cos she was scooting all over the garden with discomfort! Maybe that was just mine, she is a bit of a drama queen! Also she was a bit bruised and very slightly faecally incontinent for about 1 week but as the swelling and bruising reduced that resolved and has never recurred.

All in all though I would recommend it. If your dog is insured maybe referral is best if your vets are not experienced in the procedure......

Good luck!

Re: Anal Gland Removal in Dogs- Any Info Pls.

loobylou — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 21:26:53 GMT

I had my own dogs anal glands removed when he was just under a year old. He had similar problems to yours in that they were being emptied every 2 weeks. He never had an infection but became very uncomfortable and got a bit bum shy

After seeing the surgery done on dogs whoses anal glands were scarred and thickened, and sometimes infected from long term problems, I decided to have Jacks done before he got like that. He had no problems except the vet put pds skin sutures in and the prickly ends kept sticking in his bum! Recovery was normal in all other aspects. Only thing is he now trumps a lot Turns out he had wierd glands, with a little 'mickey mouse ear' at the bottom, which meant they could never be fully emptied (sorry hard to describe).

I have seen quite a few ops done in practice and the majority do fine. We generally give pre and post op antibiotics and an enema on the day. I have only seen 1 or 2 with wound breakdown but these have gone on to heal within weeks. I cant recall a case of any being faecally incontinent.

I am glad that I had Jacks removed, we see so many dogs with anal gland problems and I think it must be so uncomfortable. If it was me personally I would go for it but then it is easy for me to say that as I had no probs!

Re: Anal Gland Removal in Dogs- Any Info Pls.

Saskia Quinn — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 20:12:54 GMT

Thats it!!! Thats what I was trying to say re the special kit - the vetac anal gland kit!!!! Couldnt for the life of me remember the name!

Re: Anal Gland Removal in Dogs- Any Info Pls.

Vickie Boswell — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 19:56:24 GMT

We also do anal gland removals fairly frequently, and never thought of them as a complicated procedure! We always use a the Vetac anal gland kits which contain the gel tubes to fill the anal glands prior to removal, think it's like all things the more you do the easier they are. Never had any post op complications and tend not to keep them in overnight.

Let us know what you decide and how it goes!

Re: Anal Gland Removal in Dogs- Any Info Pls.

Row — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 19:45:50 GMT

We do loads of AG removals, they seem to come in runs, but only one vet does them with one in training!

We don't use a special kit and we don't use the special AG gel to fill them prior to removal. Of course there are risks but I've never seen one end up with any incontinence problems. They are always given a good dose of vetergesic in their premed and have AB's and NSAID's on board before we start. They go home with AB's and NSAIDS and all have coped fine with no infections occuring. Nothing is even used to soften the faeces they pass post-op. Believe me if there were any pain issues we would change our protocol as this is the vet that agrees with nurses when they advise its time to use morphine or fentanyl etc etc.

Before the surgery we do a warm water enema and then flush the AG's with dilute pevidine to make sure everywhere is as clean as poss. We then use a tampon in the anus so we don't have to worry about purse-string sutures. I think this eliminates some of the pain! With the tail pinned up we then do our normal scrub in prep and surgical scrub in theatre. None that I know of have had to stay in overnight. All are checked two days later and sutures out ten days post-op.

I think it all depends on which surgical technique is used and the experience of the vet. Nursing wise they have all done well and are so much happier not having AG's!

Re: Anal Gland Removal in Dogs- Any Info Pls.

Anonymous — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 18:56:08 GMT

if you work in a practice where it would be easy and financially feasable to do the testing I would. you could also try an allergy diet and see if anything changes. keeping an eye on what you walk round outside and maybe even thinking about finding a place that is fairly allergen free. not sure about the removal referal, i didn't have to go that route in the end so I didn't really look into it. I suppose it would be best done by someone who's done many of them, but really that's up to you. the allergy testing is expensive if you don't have friends in high places so to speak. but if you have pet insurance it should be covered. :)

Re: Anal Gland Removal in Dogs- Any Info Pls.

Mrs Dot Dot — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 18:29:31 GMT

Hi Steph..... She's never had any allergy testing..... I've never thought of them as being overactive before..... I don't know what a normal amount produced should be but I guess hers must be overactive... they were emptied yesterday after 11days and they were causing her a problem after a week. She hasn't had any ear or other skin problems... do you think it's worth testing her anyway? Where would you get it done? Would it be worth referring her for a/g removal? Thanks Steph

Re: Anal Gland Removal in Dogs- Any Info Pls.

Saskia Quinn — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 18:28:01 GMT

Mrs Dot Dot, if you add bran flakes to their diet, it is supposed to help the anal gland thing though your wee pet may be too far gone for that and too severe etc.

I have nursed once or twice animals that have had these done (with the same vet) and they have both been successful It is a difficult procedure and not everyone wants to carry it out. You need a special kit which contains gel filled tubes which need to be very warm etc when inserted during the op. Don't know very much about the op iteself though I do know it is a very painful one and our patients were hospitalised that night. Hope this helps

Re: Anal Gland Removal in Dogs- Any Info Pls.

Anonymous — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 18:09:32 GMT

did you ever have any allergy testing done? proper allergy testing not York. patch testing is the best results. i had a dog allergic to grass and a few trees. he had the same problem with over active anal glands and chronic otitis. the ear infections we much more difficult than the anal gland problems, but i think we caught them just in time. he went on immunotherapy treatment injections and is now on steroids, as his quality of life was better on them.