help! cocker spanial has a leaking anal gland?

Question

my dog has in the past had to have his anal gland cleaned out every few months, the reason i know is because he starts bottom skiing, but about three weeks ago i noticed liquid leaking from his behind and a really bad smell that looks like stale blood,, so back to the vet, cleaned out again and the vet said it was infected he was put on antibotics for two months, thing is some times ive missed giving him the antibotics but he always had at least one of them a day most days two, one day he never had any, were he is ment to have three, it was because of my work rota i missed some, now for three days its leaking again really bad, and smells horrible, and ive made sure he has had his tabs every day since it started to leak, thing is the vet has been closed, and im really worryed about him, has any one else had this problem with there dog, im really worryed its cancer or some thing really bad he is ten years old. please only answer if you have had the same or something similar happen, ta

The problem has NOT been going on for years! only a month, a lot of dogs have to get there dogs glands drained every so often, its something to do with the breed and diet, i have had four cockers over the years and they all have had the same thing, but never a leaking one, i went for two years with my dog before having to get it drained, again please no nasty coments i only want people who know what there talking about to answer, many thanks

Answer 1

Some breeds do have this problem more than others and diet does play a huge part. I suspect if you get the infection under control he will be fine. Go back to the vets tomorrow, he may need a change of antibiotics. Until then bathe the area in warm salt water to help keep it clean. In future you could try adding some bran to his diet and ask the vet to show you how to clear the glands yourself on a regular basis. All the best owners think the worst when we have a problem with our pets, get him to the vets when you can and I'm sure he'll be fine.

Answer 2

My sister's dog did. She is able to drain his anal glands with manual pressure

But at this point, I think you just have to get the infection under control. Keep up the antibiotics until you can get in. He may need to change to another antibiotic so get him to a vet as soon as you can, and be honest with him about missing some of the doses. Other people miss some too, it isn't uncommon.

Suggestions...

Soak in a warm bath with some salt or Epsom's salt in it.(1-2T to a gallon of water), or hold a very warm wet wash cloth on the area for 10-15 minutes.

Clean and dry the affected area after defecating

Lots of water to drink.

I hope that helps.

Answer 3

often in this senario is having teh anal glands removed.
This can be a bit expensive but having to take the dog back and forth to the vets to have them drained and the smell this is often the best answer.
Not to be disrespectful but this also might be the best if you are unable to medicate the dog as perscribed.
Often if htis is an ongoing infection it's surgery is the best answer for the dog.
Ou should talk to your vet about this.

Answer 4

Our Cocker Spaniel used to have the same problem and it is so difficult to deal with. His got so bad that we had to take him to the vet every couple of weeks to have the gland drained. We ended up having his anal glands removed. The surgery was somewhat expensive (I think about $400.00 several years ago), but it certainly took care of the problem. And he came through it just fine. We would highly recommend it. Talk to your vet about it.

Answer 5

get it to the vet before it gets worse then your mind will be at ease an the doggy will be happy