Butt scooting

[wreedgarden]

What do I do for a 10 week old puppy, Bassett Hound, that has just started scooting on his butt on the floor. I called the vet and they said it's some kind of anal gland that has swelled. What is the treatment? I have an appointment for this Monday morning. His stools are still "normal".

[Furbaby Mom]

The old anal gland expression treatment? I can't say that I've ever done it but have had friends that had to do this on their pets. You (or the vet in your case) squeezes their anal glands and a nasty smelling fluid is pressed out (brownish in color). With some pets, it has to be done on a regular basis, with others it's a one time deal.

If you are in the room with them, bring a kleenex and cover your nose.

[Tammy Garr]

Hi, I once new a groomer who did that as part of her job. You might check them out if you go to a groomer regularly any way.

[originalfatc]

At least the first time, I'd have a vet do it. Glands can be inflamed, impacted, or even ruptured, and that is no place for a groomer or any non medical professional to venture.

I am a groomer, and I used to work for a vet who drilled that into my head, I could do more harm than good if it was a medical condition.

Another thing to note, should there be a skid mark after the pup is done scooting, the glands were just a little too full, and the scooting helped them to release.

After the first visit, the vet could tell you if its a normal occurance for your pup, and what to do if it happens again.

[wreedgarden]

UPDATE: Took Bogie to the vet and he did the expelling there. LET ME TELL YOU THAT BOGIE MAY BE A 10 WEEK OLD PUPPY, BUT BOY DOES HE HAVE A SET OF LUNGS! He didn't like that experience at all, although the vet did his best to be as gentle as possible and as quick as possible. He said Bogie may do a little more scooting, but after a day or so, he should stop it. Thanks for all the replies!

[MariaRosa]

wreedgarden... I can't say anything to you that hasn't already been expressed in the above replies, and I agree with them all. I can only say that my dog does the scoot also, and it's really no big deal. I've tried to drain the glands myself (YUK!) but nothing happened, so I would advise you to have your vet take care of it, which you already did. The groomer I take my dog to does the gland draining for me. The only thing I can tell you is this: If your dog is scooting about, don't wait too long to have the vet (or groomer) take care of those glands. Several years ago, when I didn't know what this scooting was, I made the mistake of waiting., and my dog ended up w/ a painful absess.

Ps...I BET your poor buddy gave the vet an earful!! Can you imagine the indignity, lol!? Even our pets feel embarrassment, etc, who could blame 'em when they vocalize an objection!! I bet your dog is such a sweetie.

One more thing. Sometimes my dog will scoot for about a day after the glands have been drained....then it stops and all is well.

[Love Bird B]

The poor pup! It must have been difficult for you too to see him carrying on like that. It's good that you took him to a vet. We all feel better now. :)