veterinarians

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All About Dog Anal Glands

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If you own a dog you may have heard the term ‘anal glands’ and wondered what it is, and if it is a normal part of all dogs. The answer is yes; all dogs have anal glands. In most cases there are no problems associated with these structures, unless they become filled, and in which case, they become uncomfortable. In fact, infections and other problems can result from this situation.

Anal glands are small sac like structures that are located near the anus. There is one gland on each side of the anal region. The glands have openings that are located just inside the anus. Anal glands hold a liquid substance until the animal defecates, and at that time the liquid is normally secreted, or expressed from the glands, along with the feces.

Fear, nervousness, or even excitement can also result in the expression of this foul smelling, dark colored liquid. As a result it may be seen under the animal’s tail, or near the rectum, or even on the floor near the pet.

Over-filling and/or inadequate emptying of the anal glands is not uncommon in dogs. When the glands are full the pet will begin to feel a discomfort in the anal region and strive to relieve that distress. Dogs are sometimes seen scooting their behinds across the floor in an effort to relieve the symptoms. Other times they will bite or lick at the area surrounding the anus and under the tail. Additionally, some dogs will keep their tail tucked down and under, or between their legs when they feel discomfort related to their anal glands.

Fortunately, the liquid can be manually expressed from the anal glands. One method is external manual expression. This involves squeezing the area on either side of the anus to ‘milk’ or force the fluid out of the anal glands. The other method is internal manual expression which involves inserting a finger inside the rectum of the dog and using another finger on the outside, with the anal glands between the fingers. Execution of either method should result in visible excretion of the fluid exiting the anal glands openings. Groomers and veterinarians are experienced in this procedure.

Allowing the fluid to continue to build without emptying the sacs can eventually result in the fluid changing consistency, from a fluid liquid to a much thicker substance that is even more difficult to express. At this point it is best to seek professional assistance from a veterinarian. If left unattended the anal glands can become infected and other problems can develop.

Depending on the severity of the resulting problems the dog may need to have flushing treatments of the anal glands and treatments with antibiotics, which may involve sedation, as well as pain medication. If the anal glands become repeatedly filled and problems continue it is possible that surgical removal will be suggested. The removal can sometimes result in (temporary or permanent) fecal incontinence.

All About Dog Anal Glands courtesy Dog Articles.

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Important Information On Dog Breeding

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Some dog owners extend their love for animals into an interest in breeding their dog. Breeding is more of a responsibility than a passing interest, and as such, there are a few things to consider before immersing yourself and your dog in the process. This short checklist identifies some helpful pointers which will increase the odds of a successful breeding experience.

Consider your dog’s age, breed, and health status. To begin with, veterinarians recommend not breeding dogs that are less than eighteen months old. This allows you as an owner the opportunity to schedule tests that rule out any genetic defects or conditions they could pass on to their offspring. It also makes sure that your female is physically mature enough to carry a litter of puppies.

There are also health issues which can affect your decision to breed your dog.

These health concerns can be general, as in the case of brucellosis (a bacterial infection spread among breeding dogs that can contribute to infertility, abortion, or stillborn puppies), or a male dog may simply not be fertile.

Alternatively, they can be specific to certain breeds. Dachshunds and Basset Hounds have long spines and short legs, for instance, making them prone to back problems as they age. Retrievers, Shepherds, and Great Danes frequently develop hip dysplasia, easily confirmed by x-rays. Collies are predisposed to two eye disorders, Collie Eye Anomaly and Progressive Retinal Atrophy.

Testing your dog before breeding will let you know if he is carrying any of these conditions. If he is, then he’s not a good candidate for parenthood.

Regular treatment for heartworm, intestinal worms and fleas, as well as standard vaccinations to protect against the most common viruses (parvovirus, parainfluenza, distemper, hepatitis, and leptospirosis) are essential to keep your animal in good health for breeding. In addition, good nutrition and regular exercise are important in increasing the chances of  producing healthy puppies.

Pay a visit to your veterinarian to make sure there aren’t any potential problems that need to be addressed before deciding to breed your dog.

Finally, you should carefully consider the reasons behind your decision to breed a dog. If money from the sale of purebred puppies is the sole source of inspiration, consider the expenses involved from beginning to end.

Stud fees, genetic testing, veterinary care, a possible cesarean delivery, and the cost of feeding, worming, and vaccinating puppies will quickly eat into any profits you may earn. Unless you’ve spent considerable time and effort researching such a venture, you must be prepared for these costs, and be prepared to make a financial loss from a litter.

Another poor reason for breeding is to obtain a dog just like the one you already have. This isn’t likely to happen, because your pups are just as likely to resemble the other parent, or have characteristics that are a mixture of both parents.

A more sensible approach to dog breeding relies on selecting characteristics that you hope to pass on to future generations of the breed. Each breeding should be carefully planned to result in puppies that are an improvement on the generation before. This is how dog breeds are continually improved.

Breeding dogs is a rewarding pastime, but make sure your motives are honorable, and you have the health and well being of your dog and its breed foremost in your mind.

Important Information On Dog Breeding courtesy Dog Articles.

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Giardia In Dogs

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There are still many things that veterinarians don’t know about giardia and infections in dogs.  Giardia are actually protozoans — single celled organisms.  It’s not uncommon for them to be in the intestines of many animals, including dogs.  However, we don’t know just how common giardia is.

Giardia is a parasite.  It attaches itself to the lining of the intestine.  It can also float free along the lining of the intestine.  Some dogs are asymptotic — that is they never show any symptoms.  Other dogs will develop symptoms related to a giardia infection.  And we don’t know why that is either.

Giardia is usually most dangerous for puppies.  The infection can manifest itself as diarrhea and bloody or mucousy stool.  Other symptoms associated with giardia include weight loss, listlessness and poor appetite.

A puppy or dog may have a long-term, low grade giardia infection and, when he become stressed for some reason the infection can flare up and become very serious.  This means that giardia can linger for a long time.

Giardia exists in two stages:  the swimming, feeding stage in your dog’s intestine and the cyst stage that passes through his feces and which is deposited on the ground.  These cysts can survive for several months outside the body if there is enough moisture present.  If your dog ingests them again, or if another dog ingests them, then the cycle begins all over.  This makes giardia very hard to get rid of once it’s on your property.

It’s always important to pick up after your dogs but it’s especially so if you suspect that one of your dogs has a giardia infection.  This will help prevent your dog, or one of your other dogs, from becoming infected with the organism.

It is suspected that giardia may also be passed to humans.

If your dog is experiencing ongoing problems with diarrhea, especially if there is bloody or mucousy stool, you should see your vet.  Your vet can confirm a diagnosis of giardia by checking your dog’s stool for signs of the giardia cysts.  Cysts are only passed occasionally so your vet may need to do 2-3 fecal exams to find evidence of the giardia infection.

If your dog does have giardia then your vet will probably treat the infection with metronidazole or quinacrine.  These are the two anti-protozoal drugs most often recommended for dealing with a giardia infection.

Puppies are most at risk of becoming dehydrated from the diarrhea associated with giardia.  However, with good veterinary care your puppy or dog should recover from this infection.  If you have other dogs it’s a good idea for all of them to be treated whether they are showing symptoms of giardia or not.  You will also need to thoroughly rake up even the smallest traces of fecal matter from your property so your dogs can’t become re-infected.

It’s very important to prevent your dogs from sampling manure samples from other animals, including cows and horses.  Many animals may carry strains of giardia and your dog may pick them up when he noses around in them.

Although this is the course of action when giardia can be determined, there are many times when your dog may have diarrhea and the cause is unknown.  Your vet may be unable to make a definite diagnosis.  Giardia may be suspected but your vet may be unable to confirm it.  In cases like these you should follow your vet’s best advice.  He may decide to treat your dog for a bacterial infection or not treat the diarrhea at all.  As long as your dog improves, that’s what really matters.

Giardia In Dogs courtesy Dog Articles.

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6 Ways To Find A Good Veterinarian

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Good veterinarians are hard to come by.  It’s getting harder to find the country vet who knows all about you and your dog and can tell you all of the local gossip.  Vets who offered discounts for multiple pets and client loyalty are disappearing.  In his place we have vets with more sophisticated equipment but often less time for you and your dog.  He or she may see lots of clients every day and be part of a large practice.  You may not see the same vet each time you go to the offices.

How can you find a good veterinarian these days?  Here are a few tips.

1.  Ask around.  Word of mouth is still one of the best ways to find a good vet.  If you have friends with pets ask them who they use and whether they like them or not.  Ask them about their experiences with the vet.  Have they been satisfied or are they looking for a new vet?  How is the vet with their dog?  (Or cat or whatever!)  You can learn a lot just by talking to a friend.

2.  Make a list of some of the things that are important to you in a vet.  Do you need a vet who specializes?  Probably not, unless you are a breeder or you have a dog with a particular health problem, but if you do need a specialist, start looking.  They can be hard to find.  Do you need a vet who will write prescriptions for you so you can buy heartworm medication online?  This can be a bone of contention with some vets so you may have to try several vets before you find one who is willing to do this for you.  It’s certainly worth pursuing because heartworm medication usually costs twice as much at the vet’s office.  Do you need a vet who handles his own emergencies?  This is becoming rare.  You may have to look far and wide for a vet like this.  Most vets now send their emergency cases to a vet emergency clinic at nights and on the weekends.

Decide what is most important to you and look for a vet who can meet your needs.

3.  Call vet offices near you and talk to the receptionists.  Better yet, go by and meet them in person.  Discuss billing arrangements.  Veterinary care can be very expensive, especially if your dog has a serious problem that requires surgery and post-op care.  What is the vet’s policy about payment?  Does he or she require you to pay upfront?  Can you make payments?  Will they turn your dog away if you can’t pay for the entire procedure ahead of time? These are important considerations and it’s best to know how your vet handles these matters before your dog is in a life or death situation.

4.  Does the vet take pet health insurance?  Some vets do take health insurance for pets now.  If so, which ones?

5.  Find out the days and office hours for the vets near you.  Do they fit your schedule?  Some vets are closed on Saturdays or may only be open half a day.  They may not stay open late through the week.  Will you be able to work with their schedule?  You can have the greatest vet in the world just down the street from you but if you have to work when they’re open it won’t do your dog any good.

6.  The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has a listing of state veterinary medical associations.  Their website is an excellent place to look for accredited vets in your area.

6 Ways To Find A Good Veterinarian courtesy Dog Articles.

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