[mygarnetboy]

Sherman's been battling blocked anal glands and an ear infection for a good month now. The vet seems to think the two are related to a food allergy. He's been on Blue Buffalo Lamb and Rice for well over a year now, so the food allergy thing seems odd to me.

Thoughts? I think we're going to be at the vet again tomorrow for another internal expressing...

I hate to switch foods b/c I know that will cause diarrhea which will exacerbate the anal gland issue, but my poor pup is really having issues!

 

[Pointgold]

Sherman's been battling blocked anal glands and an ear infection for a good month now. The vet seems to think the two are related to a food allergy. He's been on Blue Buffalo Lamb and Rice for well over a year now, so the food allergy thing seems odd to me.

Thoughts? I think we're going to be at the vet again tomorrow for another internal expressing...

I hate to switch foods b/c I know that will cause diarrhea which will exacerbate the anal gland issue, but my poor pup is really having issues!

How old is Sherman? Have you tried adding simple fiber, such as Metamucil? This helps to bulk up the stool, facilitating the expression of the glands during a bm...

 

[mygarnetboy]

He's 1 1/2 years old. I haven't tried Metamucil--how much would I give him? He's 81lbs.

 

[Pointgold]

He's 1 1/2 years old. I haven't tried Metamucil--how much would I give him? He's 81lbs.

The usual dosage (per my old vet) is 1/4 up to 1/2 tspn per 20 pounds, up to twice per day. I've usually gone more towards the upper end of 1/2.
A 40 pound dog can safely have up to half the human dosage. So Sherman could have the regular adult dosage. Is he on any other meds? You need to make sure that the absorption of any other meds would not be affected by the Metamucil.

 

[alanckaye]

I got the same problem - I can't find any pumpkin at the market - they tell me they can't get it so I have been buying small shreaded wheat plain and I feed them or put it in their food, they love it but it doesn't seem to be working - they both get fish nose so often late at night when they are eating their butts I have to take them into the garage and express their glands - they just don't seem to be doing it on their own and when I do it I have a very hard time because I believe the hole is stopped up like a bottle of glue or something. Their glands are like little grapes and they hate it so bad as do I but it gives them a peaceful nights sleep with no butt eating. The metamucil works pretty good you think, even for glands that may get stopped up? oi vey!

 

[Parkers Parents]

I have the same issues with Parker.
Right now he is only on rice and chicken and im slowly adding his dog food back in.
Anyhoo, he will start licking his but and...well u know here comes the fishy smell. :yuck: Parker comes with me to work so, this could be very embaressing.
I would like to know what most of you do also to treat this problem. It is both uncomfortable for him and me.

 

[Lucky's mom]

Lucky had a problem with blocked and infected anal glands for about a year. But after several trips to the vet and a dose or two of antibiotics he hasn't had a problem for many months. I think when they have an infection it might take a while for things to get back to normal.

Good luck...I know its frustrating.