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Paraanal glands in dogs

Quite delicate, but when it comes to pet health, a necessary topic is the health of the para-anal glands. In most cases, the owners of the dog are not aware of their presence, but this happens until the inflammatory process begins in the glands. This condition is accompanied by a number of symptoms and requires the intervention of a specialist. What paraanal glands in dogs, what is their main task, and why does inflammation occur?

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What are the paraanal glands

While the glands do not make themselves felt, the pet owner does not even suspect that the four-legged pet has any. But then, when pathology occurs, one has to not only learn about their features, but also take care of this area. sad dog

Paraanal glands, they are also called sacs, are located in the place where the rectum passes into the anus. It is a paired organ that secretes a secret with an individual, specific odor. Thanks to him, dogs know who was here recently, mark their territory, scare off enemies and attract potential cavaliers.

The secret is highlighted during the feces, mixed with feces. But this happens when the animal's digestive system and intestines function normally. That is, feces squeezes the secret out of the pouches, and in every act of defecation they are emptied of the contents.

Many dogs do not experience problems with the work of the para-anal glands throughout their lives, but some pets have problems - the sacs get clogged with the contents, the animal's body cannot clean them on its own, discomfort and risk of all sorts of complications are manifested. What leads to such complications?

Why glands become inflamed

When the secret from the para-duct sacs is not removed, the process of decay takes place in the glands, and in such an environment, the pathogenic bacteria begin to multiply rapidly. There are many reasons for this pathological phenomenon:

  • pet leads a low-active lifestyle;
  • the dog has a genetic predisposition to the disease;
  • weakened immune system;
  • gestation period;
  • random, too frequent mating;
  • the dog was injured;
  • having a bowel movement disorder due to malnutrition (if the dog eats poor-quality semi-finished products, eats a lot of bones, etc.);
  • non-compliance with the rules of individual hygiene of the animal.

No matter what led to the disruption of the para-anal glands, the clinical manifestations of the violations will equally disturb the pet.

See also: treatment of cysts in dogs .

Stages of the inflammatory process

Inflammation develops in stages, causing more and more obvious signs of pathology:

  • there is a violation of the natural outflow;
  • a large amount of secretory fluid accumulates in the para-anal glands;
  • gradually the consistency of the secret thickens;
  • the tissues of the sacs become inflamed, causing discomfort and pain;
  • the affected surface becomes an excellent medium for the vital activity of pathogenic microorganisms;
  • due to the secondary microflora, the inflammatory process is intensified, leading to the formation of purulent exudate and abscess;
  • when abscesses break through, fistulae form.

Such changes are accompanied by other pathological phenomena, and the owner should pay attention to the condition of the pet as soon as possible.

Symptoms of pathology

The intensity of the symptoms of the inflammatory process in the para-anal glands depends on the degree of damage: the dog lies

  1. I degree - the dog is worried about itching, it combs the anus. The secret is allocated in a small amount, its color varies from light transparent to watery-whitish or yellowish.
  2. Grade II - the secret becomes even less, it is characterized by a thick consistency. Symptoms are supplemented with other signs - alopecia develops (loss of coat), and a rash appears in the form of pustules and vesicles on the skin of the inner thigh. Pet begins to feel stiffness in the belt of the lower extremities.
  3. Grade III - the secret thickens to a creamy state, it becomes even smaller. In addition, the secretory fluid becomes darker in color. Neurological syndrome manifests and itching increases.
  4. IV degree - the consistency of the secretory fluid of the gland becomes similar to clay - thick, granular, from dark brown to black, the pelvic girdle or half of the body paralyzes.

In addition, the sick pet has a number of signs:

  • The behavior of the animal changes - the dog may become aggressive, a change in habits occurs.
  • Appetite decreases or is completely absent.
  • Soreness is felt in the area of ​​the anus, tail base and between the anus and testicles.
  • Skin and coat becomes wet.
  • Pathology is accompanied by hyperkeratosis - a hypertrophic seal of the epidermis.
  • Manifesting hypesthesia - increased sensitivity.
  • Soreness on skin.
  • Excessive pigmentation.
  • Erythema of the skin, which manifests itself in the form of redness.
  • Rectal-skin fistulas (perianal sinuses) are formed.
  • Ulceration, eroded areas appear on the skin.
  • The temperature rises, there is a feverish state.
  • Scruffy, pet intensively combing painful area.
  • The anal area swells noticeably.
  • Crampy pain in anus.
  • Depression, depressed mood, lethargy, fatigue.

At the very beginning of the disease, you can help your pet by cleaning the para-anal glands. A similar procedure is carried out for preventive purposes and when the blockage of the glands becomes a regular occurrence. But how to clean them properly?

Cleaning paraanal glands at home

To carry out the procedure at home, you need to purchase vaseline oil and medical sterile gloves at a pharmacy. The most convenient place to clean is the bathroom, since the secretory fluid has a very unpleasant odor and can get onto the pieces of furniture. If it gets on the upholstery, then getting rid of the stain will not be easy, and besides, the air in the room will be permanently damaged.

You should enter the index finger into the anus of the animal and on its sides to find the glandular formations, which are shaped like dense balls. Applying a light massage movements, you should empty the contents of the bags out, manipulation is carried out on both sides.

After cleaning the para-anal glands, the area of ​​the anus of the animal must be thoroughly washed with detergent. To avoid complications, it is advisable to immediately put a suppository to the pet with anti-inflammatory action. Such manipulation is recommended to be repeated as necessary. the beagle

It should be noted that this method is not very suitable for representatives of small breeds. But here you can apply another method of cleaning - with a sterile cloth. In this case, the owner should not forget about their own hygiene, pre-putting on medical gloves.

Press the napkin gently to the anus and gently squeeze (press down) the rectal area. This method may seem simpler in comparison with the first, however, it is not always possible to achieve the desired result with it, especially when it comes to condensed glandular fluid.

If we talk about the frequency of cleansing, it is decided individually - it is enough for one dog to clean the para-anal glands every six months, the other is not enough, and the manipulation is carried out monthly and even more often.

It is interesting to read about mastitis and pancreatitis in dogs.

How is paraanal gland inflammation treated?

If the inflammatory process is not intense, then you can cope on your own, but if the disease is in a state of neglect, then you can not do without the help of a veterinarian. And, moreover, even if the cleaning was successful, you can also contact a veterinarian to find out why the glands cannot function independently.

With this ailment, specific laboratory methods are not used, for establishing a diagnosis, it is enough to inspect a sick dog and probe the area of ​​pathology. Medical therapy for inflammation of the para-anal glands includes the following procedures and techniques:

  • mechanical cleansing of obstructions in the glands;
  • washing of the sinuses;
  • the introduction of antibacterial agents (they are placed in the sinuses, Cephalexin is an effective means in this case), therapy can last from 5 to 15 days;
  • suppositories for rectal administration may be given, for example, ichthyol;
  • sometimes recommend Novocain blockade with antibiotics ;
  • regular monitoring and use of interventions for secondary prevention.

With severe pain, it is possible to use local anesthetics and agents with a sedative effect. If clogged glands are cleared in which there is no inflammation, no anesthetic medication is used.

If abscesses have formed, then punctures and washing of the tissues from pus can be done. For this, the dog is drained, and the tissues are washed with a physiological solution and a mild disinfecting agent. When the abscess is closed, a course of moist hot compresses is prescribed, which is done before the abscess ripens. Then the veterinarian opens and cleans it.

Severe pathological conditions require surgical intervention. In this situation, a resection of the para-anal glands is called, called saclectomy. Naturally, such manipulation is carried out in extreme cases, when frequent relapses occur, and the owners have to clean every 5-7 days.

brown dog

Sakulectomy alone is not an operation of high complexity. The surgeon makes 2 notches on the glands, through which he removes them and cuts off. Since the rectal tissue and the anal ring are not interfered, after 24 hours the pet can walk “large” on its own. He returns to his usual life, can drink, eat, play, as usual.

To prevent sprains, it is necessary to adjust the nutrition of your four-legged friend - to give him food that is easily digested, and often take for a walk, it is extremely important for recovery - the dog should not endure the urge to empty for a long time.

Prevention of blockage of paraanal glands

Of course, in some cases it is impossible to avoid such a pathology, but in most cases it is quite sufficient to observe preventive measures in order to never know how to clean your pet's secret bags:

  • walking the dog more often, this will lead to the fact that the glands will be cleaned normally;
  • it is necessary to take care of the activity of the pet, often give him physical exertion;
  • Another important aspect - proper nutrition, excess protein foods can lead to difficult bowel movements, avoid disrupting emptyings - diarrhea or constipation; To improve digestion, a dog needs fiber.

Inflammation of the paraanal glands is a rather unpleasant phenomenon, however, if you seek medical help in a timely manner, it will not significantly undermine the pet's health. It is very important to take care of your four-legged friend and, if necessary, to carry out the required cleaning, this will save the pet from unpleasant sensations and possible complications.

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