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Originally Posted by BellaBlue82  OMG all these new things I'm learning about before I bring my baby home! Does this happen with all yorkies?? Is this something they take care of themselves or a vet has to do it? How frequently, and what exactly is it?? |
Dogs and cats (don't know about other species) have glands on either side of the anal tract that produce and secrete a really revolting smelling substance. Most animals express this fluid as they have BM, but for some this doesn't happen and while the substance continues to be produced it has nowhere to go. For these babies, someone has to manually express them to prevent them from getting impacted, infected or even rupturing the gland. Once a gland becomes impacted, it takes surgery to go in and unplug it and clean it out and then a course of antibiotics to clear up the infection. If/when your dog does a lot of butt scooting, it can be an indication that their glands are full and they need some help. Your vet can probably show you how to do it yourself if you'd like. I take Soph in every 4-6 weeks just for a check. Sometimes they need to express and sometimes not. Some need to have it done more frequently, some less.