Would one recommend getting a dog's anal glands removed in any case?

Answer 1

If the dog has repeated rounds of severe infection or they rupture repeatedly, then yes, removal of the anal glands may be beneficial to the dog. If it's just a matter of the anal glands getting full really quickly and needing to be expressed often, then no. Anal gland removal is a major and delicate surgery. Even if done properly by an experienced vet there is still a very real possibility that the nerves and muscles that control the anal sphincter could be damaged (either temporarily or permanently), making the dog incontinent (unable to control it's bowels). This sort of surgery is something that needs to be discussed at great length with your veterinarian before you decide to do it.

Answer 2

Yes. There are dogs that get recurrent anal gland infections/abscesses and ruptures.....the incredible pain associated with these incidents is horrible. Surgery is recommended as a last resort to these pets. Have also seen a few instances of cancer in the anal gland.

Answer 3

My 12 year old Akita's anal gland ruptured last year. She had surgery, and they put in a drainage tube for a few days. They did tell me they could remove them, I decided not to.

Answer 4

Our vet will do it if there's a cancerous condition in or around them (which happens with more frequency with dogs than with cats) but they usually don't recommend removal otherwise unless one side blocks completely on a repeat basis.

They can show you how to express them. Usually 'hard poo' will scrape the glands out but with softer bowel movements that doesn't always happen.

Answer 5

Absolutely not. If they are filling up, just have the vet clear them out, or have the vet teach you how to do it at home. No need to put your dog threw the pain of a procedure.

Answer 6

maybe for an extreme medical condition, like they rupture or there is something wrong with them.