03/31/2023
Expressing A**l Glands
🐾What are a**l glands?
They are internal sacs located at a 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock position next to the re**um in both dogs and cats.
They are scent glands that typically empty when an animal produces a bowel movement.
The a**l gland secretions contain chemicals that act as territorial markers (aka: "calling card"). This is why dogs are so interested in smelling each others bottoms and f***s you may find on the ground.
🐾Do they need to be expressed?
Not necessarily. Like noted above, they are typically emptied when a pet produces a bowel movements. However, it is common, especially for dogs to have problems emptying them.
It's more common in dogs/cats who are overweight (cause they can't posture well for a bowel movement and usually have fat that forms around the a**l gland region), cats and dogs who are geriatric (because they have more trouble posturing properly to produce a BM), and animals who have GI problems and don't have form BM often (soft or loose bowel movements are not firm enough to help express these glands).
🐾When should a**l glands be expressed?
Either when the animal is showing signs of discomfort - scooting on the rear end, licking at their bottoms frequently. If you've noticed redness or swelling around the re**um. If the patient seems to posture weird. Also, if you smell a very fishy, foul smell it's most likely the a**l glands, and they need expressing.
If your dog/cat has ongoing problems expressing, then it's best to have them expressed every 4-6 weeks.
🐾What can happen if full a**l glands are not expressed?
The glands get so full to the point they abscess/rupture and become infected. A hole is created below their re**um. These patients are painful, and need to be sedated and have their a**l glands flushed. They are placed on antibiotics and anti-inflammatory meds with frequent follow ups to the vet afterwards.
🐾 Why is the RVA Traveling Vet Tech more recommended for a**l gland expressing than a groomer?
Groomers typically express the glands externally. This does not completely empty them. Groomers are also not trained on recognizing abnormalities when expressing. Veterinary Medical personnel are trained on what a**l gland material is normal/infected, can express them fully going internally, and can keep feel for abnormalities like a**l gland tumors.
I can provide this service to you!
Dogs A**l Gland Expression: $20 (internal expression, and they will be cleaned up in the back end)
A**l Gland Expression and Toe Nail Trim Combo (t**h and toe package:canine) : $35
Feline A**l Gland Expression: $15
A**l Gland Expression and Toe Nail Trim Combo (t**h and toe package:feline): $25
*I do charge additional for mileage based on where you live.
*Cats and Dogs must be up to date on rabies vaccine for safety of myself and staff*
*If patient gets too stressed, service will not be performed for safety of pet and staff*
Please message me or call 804-549-6504 with any questions or to set up an appointment!
