My dog had "renal glands" drained. How do they do it?

Question

We pay $45 each visit to have this done! A month later she's "spinning" again. I'm not above doing it myself if it's possible.

Answer 1

I think you mean "anal glands", and you can do it yourself. Kinda gross, but possible. Some people may try to explain it to you, here -- if I were you, I'd ask a groomer to show you how. It will probably be cheaper than the vet, and an infinitely better experience for both you and the dog!

ADD: No, they DO NOT use a needle! Sheesh.

Please, like I said, call a groomer in your area and ask what they charge. It will likely be cheaper, and they will probably even show you how to do it yourself.

Answer 2

You mean "anal" glands.
It's REALLY gross - but you CAN do it yourself if you want.
But you have to be very careful.
Basically - ick - you squeeze gently from both sides of the dogs anus. NASTY - REALLY STINKY stuff will come out.
GAG.
Anyway - if you do it too hard supposedly you can injure the dog. Though I've never heard of anyone doing that.
Most groomers do it while the dog is in the tub so they can wash the stinky gunk down the drain ASAP. I'm telling you - it smells REALLY bad.
I used to work in a grooming shop when I was in school. My boss insisted that I HAD to express the dogs' anal glands. I refused. NO way!
Most dogs don't require their glands to be expressed as it happens naturally when they defecate. However, some dogs who have not been well bred (please don't take offense at that) will have to have them expressed by a groomer.
You are paying a LOT for it - which I assume is mostly the cost of the office visit.
If you take your dog to the groomers, you could ask them to do it for you. It would probably be a heck of a lot cheaper than the vet.
Good luck!

Answer 3

Your vet will teach you how to do it.
One of mine started having this problem. My vet drained the glands and then said that he would teach me. I told him that if it happened again, I would learn.
I read that if you give a dog more fiber, it will bulk up the stool and making draining the glands unnecessary. It worked with my dog. I've heard others say that it didn't work. For the cost of the Metamucil, it was worth the try.

Answer 4

Have your vet teach you. Most of them are happy to do that> It's a matter of getting the gland in their rectum and squeezing out the gunk. Not a pleasant thing to have to do (stinks), but will save you money.

Answer 5

it's pretty gross actually...they (vet tech) pokes the glands with a needle or something sharp, then they drain the glands. It's like a big pimple. You have to be carful though, and I would really (if it was me) going to the Vet and have them do it.

Answer 6

I had to take my pit to the vet for it alot..a lack of exercise is main reason for it.. Dang he only charges 6 dollars to do it showed me how too do it also. Your vet should be willing to show you as well as a groomer,no needles or any sharp objects used.. You use your fingers and squeeze lightly...Have him show you..Plug your nose..