Swollen Glands on Dogs Rump???

[CowGirlUp1833]

Right below my dogs tail is two [what I'm assuming to be] glands of somesort. They seem to be somewhat swollen from time to time; and occasionally I think they omit an odd odor. I have friend who is a professional groomer and I think I overheard her saying something about squeezing them....but I didn't catch the whole conversation, so I'm not sure if that is what she was talking about or not. I can post a pic if I need to.... but what do you think? What is the term for these and what is the proper (if any) maintenance?

[Becky]

Sounds like a n a l glands to me, they usally release when I dog makes a poopie but sometimes they wont they have a dead fish odor to them eww you can release them yourself but i would ask the groomer or the vet to show you how to do it properly and do it outside

[Dax]

Becky is right. I only attempt them in the bathtub when I bath them and I only express if the dog is scooting. Dogs that have nice solid poops don't normally have problems.

[Dog Watcher]

We usually recommend a person take their dog to a Vet to have the glands expressed properly by inserting a finger up the a n u s and applying pressure from the inside. The problem I have with squeezing from the outside is some times if you do it too often or too hard you can build up scar tissue. Most times a Vet will squeeze the glands then put an antiseptic on to keep them from getting infected. If they look swollen then I really recommend you have them looked at by a vet as them may be impacted. A Vet will some times recommend a higher fiber diet, this gives more bulk to the stool so the glands with naturally secrete themselves. As for **** gland secretion, this is a dogs own personal scent which they leave on top of their bowel movements. This is a form of communication between dogs. I have seen dogs also blow their glands from fear as well.

For bulking up stool I have used crushed flax seeds, crushed hemp seeds, oats, carrots, Broccoli and other veggies and fruits.

[CowGirlUp1833]

Okay, well, her stool is quick solid, in fact I wouldn't want it to get more so in fear she would have discomfort. They must be working properly then, because they seem to swell slightly from time to time but then it goes away again, so I guess its "flushing" naturally? I will continue to monitor this and talk to the vet next time she has a check up.

[dobermom]

Clifford had one of his released once at the Vet, all I can say is OH MY! Never again will I be in the same room when that happens.

[CowGirlUp1833]

Originally Posted by dobermom

Clifford had one of his released once at the Vet, all I can say is OH MY! Never again will I be in the same room when that happens.

Stinky, huh? I get a "sample" every once in awhile and I have to leave the room. Ugh....

[dobermom]

The worst thing I have EVER smelled!
Stinky, is not even close!

[doglovin]

My mom used to be a professional pet groomer,and she got to do that wonderful little job daily!LoL.

[Moo]

Yeah, not fun. Don't let it grow big... Kirby had a problem with one of his and he had to have surgery on it. He was too pained to move for days, and unhappy for a week.