Everything you (probably didn't) want to know about Anal Glands

Does this look familiar:



While a mildly amusing commercial, it is most likely a sign that Toby has an anal gland problem. I certainly hope that "Mom" checked out poor Toby before calling about steaming her precious carpet.

If your dog is scooting, obsessively licking or bothering its back region, you need to go and check things out to make sure everything is working as it should. If there is a discharge, bad smell, or swelling, its time for a trip to the vet.

So, what on earth are anal sacs and what the heck do they do? That question is best addressed on the marvistavet site, which includes interactive "where are they" and "how do you squeeze them" Web interface. It may become all the rage in interactive game playing.

If that's not enough the kind folks at Expert Village have provided a video on how to "express" anal glands:


While I wish they would have picked a lighter colored pup to do the demonstration to make the particulars easier to see, you probably get the point.

Please note: if you do express your pup's anal glands, you may want to invest in some cheap rubber gloves (exam room gloves in a box are available at most pharmacy stores), and if you have a weak stomach, you may just want to take your pup to the vet and have it done, its a most foul smell.

Here is another that discuss some of the common issues with anal sacs.

Pet Education

From personal experience, if you pup has constant anal gland/sac issues, you may want to talk to your vet about diet. If there isn't enough fiber in their food to give them firm stools, or if they have a condition where their stools are consistency soft, then that could contribute to the issue. Stools need to be firm in order to give that natural squeezing of the anal sacs during a bowel movement.

A dog with hip, back or hind leg issues may also suffer from anal sac issues, as they may be unable to "assume the proper poop position" to sufficiently empty out the sacs when they have a bowel movement.

Also, from personal experience, the TYPE of food may be causing issues. I have one such pup who gets anal gland issues whenever he eats a fish-based diet. Change his food over to a chicken or beef-based diet and the issue clears up.

Gimpy German Shepherd needs a new home

Sydney, a 9 year old German Shepherd needs a new cat free home.

Sydney was about to be euthanized at an ER vet when her current owner saw her wonderful personality and decided to save her. Sydney's right rear leg had to be amputed from an injury she suffered, but with a daily dose of Previcoxx, she does wonderfully on three legs, running, playing, and going up and down the stairs (with some coaxing).

Unfortunately, Sydney does not get along with cats, so she needs to go into a loving home that does not have cats. Her owner would like to find her a loving home where she can be a loving member of the family and live out her years in happiness.

Sydney is located in the Indianapolis, Indiana area. If you think you can give Sydney a loving home and a fulfilling life, please contact Mindy at: Mindycvt@ yahoo.com

Good Samaritan needs help for injured husky

The following plea is from a member of Tails of Hope Pet Rescue in Texas.

A woman contacted me a few days ago about a Siberian Husky she had found that had been shot. Apparently, the dog was shot, then wandered up to her neighbors house & found a spot to lay on their porch. The family had called animal control to come pick up the husky, when this angel of a woman told them she would take it in & try to care for it first. The kicker is that this woman is 75 years old, & as she says "not in the best of health". She posted signs for Lost Dog, and animal control knew she had the dog in her care, in case an owner came looking for it. No owner has surfaced. She took the dog to her vet to see what options the husky had. The vet said the husky's back hip is shattered, and the leg needs to be either amputated, or replaced with a metal plate. Then of course, there is euthanasia. The old woman has developed a bond with this dog & will not put it down. She would like to keep the husky herself, but does not know if that will be realistic long-term as her health is not so good.

She contacted Tails of Hope to see what services we provide & I discussed some options with her. The immediate issue is that she lives on a fixed income of social security, and will have trouble paying for the vet bills accompanying amputation (which was the vet's recommendation as the best option for the shattered hip). In addition, she took the husky in to the vet today, to be prepped for surgery tomorrow (Wed 1/7), and they also found that the dog has heartworms, plus needs to be neutered.

So we are asking for help with some of the financial burden that this initial vet bill will cost. I am going to be making a donation, and would like to petition other dog & animal lovers out there to also make even a small donation for the care of the husky. Each little bit will help. The woman would like to keep the dog at least through the beginning stages of rehab, then if it is not possible or reasonable for her to keep the husky long-term, she would want to find a very loving permanent home for him. A very SPECIAL home for this wonderful, soon-to-be 3-legged Siberian Husky! And Tails of Hope would be taking on the responsibility of re-homing the husky.

I met the husky myself, and he was one of the sweetest dogs I have known. Only kindness & love, wanting nothing more than to give kisses & get some loving in return. I am attaching pictures of the husky.

If you, or anyone you know, would be interested in making a donation to help off-set the cost of the amputation surgery, you can contact the Ennis Veterinary Clinic at 972-875-2647 to call in a credit card number, or you can mail a check to Ennis Veterinary Clinic, 3101 N. Kaufman, Ennis TX 75119 Specify that the donation is for "Husky".

Thank you so much for your consideration! And a Happy 2009 to you all!

Sincerely, LISA
Tails of Hope Pet Rescue
Waxahachie, TX

Boris Needs a Helping Hand

Update (9 Jan 2009)
Unfortunately the vets have found that Boris is not a good candidate for the liver shunt surgery. His foster home is going to put him on a special diet to help manage his health, and asks that donations be sent to other needy dogs at this time. We will continue to update you on Boris as we get them.

Original post below
Boris has gone through a lot in his first year of life already, but the bad news hit home right before Christmas when days after an emergency surgery to remove several handfuls of inedible objects from his stomach, he was diagnosed with a liver shunt which would require a very expensive surgery if he was going to have a chance at living a normal life.

Indy Homes for Huskies is trying to raise the funds to give this sweet boy a chance at life. Boris has a heart of gold and a personality that outshines the sun. When he doesn't feel very well, all he wants to do is lay next to his humans and be loved upon. When he feels well- the sky is the limit to what devilment he might cause.

Donations to help Boris can be made by clicking the sponsor me button on the top right corner of his profile.

Start the New Year with a New Friend

Some pups are starting the new year in a shelter. These pups were seized in a recent rescue investigation and either need new homes, or temporary foster homes.

If you can help foster, or would like to give them a good home, please contact the Jethro's Place rescue.

Click on the link above to see more of these hopeful sweeties.