Anal Gland Surgery?

[Kendra K. Rhoton]

Has anyone had their dogs anal glands removed? What are the risks of having this kind of surgery done? What is the price? What would you do? Either express the glands yourself for the rest of the dogs life, or have them surgically removed!?

[F, Calla & Luca]

Here's a discussion on the topic:
http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/my-doodle-has-very-bad?id=...

[Noble Vestal Labradoodles]

most dogs have their expressed when groomed or vetted. I do not understand the need for remove unless they are diseased.

I wouldn't have it done just to do it~

[Karen Morgan]

Hi Kendra, My name is Karen Morgan and my dog Molly had this surgery done on the 9Th of December. Molly also has allergies and I do believe that there may be a connection. My problem had been going on for over a year. Her anal glands would become pasty ( a tan paste) and it would be so painful for molly to have them expressed. The doctors exhausted all there options and it came down to having her glands removed. The surgery cost $1400.00 or a little more with blood work and visits to the vets. It was the worst week of my life with her, she cried for 5 days straight, and it seemed like the pain med. did nothing for her, we did have to bring her back for a shot of pain med. and that didn't even help. One gland came out with no problem, the other ripped and that meant she needed to be on antibiotics for 10 days. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. By the end of the 2 weeks, she was back to her normal self. But I still have the issues with the allergies. I am going to have to have Molly tested, but I have been putting it off as it is another $600.00. But that will be the next step. Kendra, does your doodle have allergies?? is she licking her paws or rubbing her body against the sofa? I really feel these dogs are going to be coming down with these type of problems as this breed continues to progress in to the future. I am sorry that I have not responded until now, I have not been on the comp. until today. If there is anything I can do for you or any more questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.. Please let me know how you made out. Sincerely, Karen Morgan

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Many of these dogs already do have atopic dermatitis, which is the kind of allergy for which your dog is being tested. My guy had the skin testing last year, and has a very severe form. It is genetic and runs in labrador retrievers. Dogs with atopy should not be bred, but it often doesn't show up until they are 2-3 years old, and there is no genetic test for it. There are several doodles here on DK who have atopy. My guy also has occasional anal gland problems, not as severe as yours.
Here's a discussion I posted last year about his testing that you might be interested in:
http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/all-about-allergies