anal gland abscess

[jessick]

Several weeks ago my dog was diagnosed with a anal gland abscess. She has fully recovered, thankfully, but I was just wondering if anyone else has had experience with these as this was a first for me.
She is a 10 year old Beagle, border collie cross who in the past has had her glands expressed annually, and has been known to scoot periodically. I never knew they could abscess, and again am thankful I called the vet when I saw a 'sore' on her bum. Honestly, I just thought she had scraped herself on some ice when squatting to go to the bathroom

[the gang]

i just went through this 1 week wensday with my 9 yr old min pin, it came out of the blue!!!!! at 5.30 am nothing and 7.30 a big bubble, he was at the vet for appt. at 3.00 in surgey, at 3.15 , he goes back for a recheck in 4 weeks its painfull, good luck to you and your pup, brenda and the pins.

[Dr Lee]

Jessick,

If she is a periodic scooter, than routine expression of the glands can help prevent abscesses from recurring. Once there has been an abscess, the scar tissue that results may make the glands more prone to re-infection. Typically, once a month or every other month will suffice for this. This can be done by either your veterinarian staff or any groomer. Some people want to learn to do it themselves, but as it is very inexpensive to have someone else do them, most people will use the groomer.

Good luck.

[jessick]

Thank you for the information Dr Lee. Yes, my vet has requested I come back in a couple of weeks for a re-check.