The scoop on "scooting"...

What Are the Anal Glands?

The anal glands (also called anal sacs) are two glands that secrete a pungent fluid. The fluid travels through small ducts that open into the anus. Typically, this fluid is released during defecation or territorial marking.

Where Are the Anal Glands Located?

The anal glands are located on either side of the anus, just under the skin, at the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock positions. The glands are embedded in the muscle of the anal sphincter and are not readily visible.

What Is the General Structure of the Anal Glands?

The anal glands are small oval shaped sacs lined with tiny glands. The sacs range in size from that of a pea to a hazel nut. Each tiny gland in the sac produces a fluid that passes through a multitude of small ducts and eventually collects in the sac. As feces pass through the anus, the glands are squeezed, and the fluid is released through a small opening in the duct of the sac.

What Is the Function of the Anal Glands?

The only known function of the anal glands is to produce small amounts of secretions, ranging in color from yellow brown to gray. The fluid is watery to pasty in consistency. It is thought that these secretions are used as a way to mark territory and identify the dog to other dogs. The secretions from these glands are very pungent and may also be expressed when the animal is frightened or alarmed.

What Are Common Diseases of the Anal Glands?

Many dogs never develop problems with these glands, and most people are unaware of their presence. In a some dogs, anal gland impactions, infections, abscesses, ruptures and tumors occur. Diseases of the anal glands vary in severity in the signs they produce. Common symptoms of anal gland disease include "scooting" (dragging the rear end across the floor), a foul odor near the anus, and pain, licking or biting at the rectal area. If these problems are persistent then surgical removal of the glands is often a solution.

Anal gland impactions are the most common disorder associated with the anal glands in dogs. For unknown reasons, the fluid produced in the glands becomes too thick to be expressed naturally through the opening of the ducts into the anus. The fluid continues to be produced, resulting in an enlargement of the gland, secondary irritation, and possibly infection.

Anal gland infections are typically bacterial infections that cause local irritation and inflammation. Abscesses develop when an infection worsens and a significant accumulation of pus occurs within the anal gland. The anal gland may be impacted at the same time. The abscess may continue to enlarge until it ruptures through the skin, causing a small draining hole to develop near the anus. Pus may drain from this small hole.

Anal gland tumors in the dog are often malignant and are classified as adenocarcinomas. Sometimes anal gland tumors result in elevated blood calcium levels, which can cause significant organ damage, including kidney failure.

What Types of Diagnostic Tests Are Used to Evaluate the Anal Glands?

Physical examination and rectal palpation are the primary methods of evaluating the anal glands. Rectal palpation is performed by inserting a gloved finger into the rectum to feel the gland. Radiographs (x-ray) and blood work are not typically used to evaluate the anal glands, but blood tests may sometimes suggest the presence of infection, which prompts further examination of these glands. Tumors of the anal glands are confirmed with a biopsy.

Importance of Cat Grooming!



A "lion cut" being done here at AVH

 Believe it or not, most cats need a little help with their grooming – and owners should pay attention to their cats' eyes, ears and coat.

Whether purebred or mixed breed, a key to good grooming lies in the length of a cat's coat. A cat with a very short, single coat similar to the Siamese, Burmese and Cornish Rex needs very little grooming. The dense-coated shorthaired cats like American shorthairs, British shorthairs and Scottish folds require regular grooming sessions. Semi-longhaired cats resembling Maine coons should be combed and bathed even more regularly. Cats with long, flowing coats resembling the Persian should be combed and have their faces cleaned at least every other day and dematted (removing dead hair) at least twice a year.

The dreaded mat can form on even the most well-groomed cats, especially during seasonal shedding. If you find these clumps of dried, tangled hair in your cat's fur, never try to cut them out because you could slip and cut your cat's skin. It also hurts the cat with the matts pulling on their skin, which can cause sores.

Sometimes greasy coats, allergies and plain old dirt require a cat to have a good bath. This can be tricky because cats usually don't like water. It is best to introduce a cat to bathing as a kitten so that baths become less stressful with time.

It can be much easier to bring your cat to us, and let us take care of grooming needs. After a physical exam done by a veterinarian,teh technician will  simply use gas anesthesia (less stress on your feline) and will groom and bath with no stress at all. Call us today for a quote or appointment!

The most unusual names for 2010...

According tp the Veterinary Pet Insurance company the most popular pet names last year were latched to the "Twilight" series. Bella ranked the most popular name for a dog and Max was the most popular for cats.

Other top dog names were;
Max, Lecy, Buddy, Maggie, Daisy, Charlie, and Sophie.

Top cat names were;
Chloe, Oliver, Lucky, Gizmo, Bandit, and Charlie. The previous top names like Tiger and Tigger fell to the bottom of the list.

Some of the most unusual names noted were;

Pickle Von Corndog, Badonkadonk, Dog Vader, Purr Diem, Bing Clawsby, Chairman meow, Optimus Pants, and Admiral Pancake.

Go figure?

Preparing for Pet Emergencies! The First Aid Kit...

Hopefully your pet will not have cause for emergency medical treatment but "just in-case" here are some ways to be prepared. The purpose of your pet first aid kit is to stabilize your animal in an emergency for further treatment by a veterinarian. Treatment at home should never replace the assessment and treatment by a trained professional in an animal hospital. We DO NOT advise the administration of tylenol or aspirin to your pet as it can be toxic, cause stomach ulcers and/or cannot be combined with certain drugs that are commonly prescribed by the veterinarian.

- Know what is normal for your pet.

-Keep the veterinarians's phone number on hand and the Huronia Veterinary Emergency number as well

-Learn how to handle and transport a sick or injured pet.

-Do not administer any home remedies without first checking with your veterinarian.

- Don't panic.

Assembling a basic first aid kit;

Select a storage container that will allow you to organize your supplies neatly. A tackle box or tool organizer works well. Keep the kit out of reach of children and check it reguarlarly for expired or depleted supplies.
Numbers for the Animal Poison Hotline & Poison Control for Pets (800/548-2423 or 900/680-0000 both numbers charge a fee). The National Poison Control Hotlines for humans should also be included

Contents:

* muzzle                                           
*protective gloves                          
*rubbing alcohol
*digital or rectal thermometer      
*gauze roll/squares                         
*vasoline jelly
*hydrogen peroxide                        
*antibacterial soap                        
*cotton roll
*non stick wound dressing           
*small flashlight                             
*blanket for transport
*corn syrup                                      
*tweezers                                       
*bandage scissors
*instant hot and cold compress    
*Sock or stocking                          
*leash
*current pet first aid book             
*syringe to feed                             
*latex gloves

Infectious Tracheobronchitis (Kennel Cough)

We have been seeing an increase amount of cases with bordetella( kennel cough).
You might think your dog has something stuck in his throat. The cough associated with acute infectious tracheobronchitis, (ITB) or kennel cough, is a high-pitched, honk-like cough, sometimes followed by retching.

Kennel cough is a highly contagious inflammation of the trachea (windpipe) and bronchial tree caused by a contagious virus (adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, canine distemper virus) or bacterium (Bordetella bronchiseptica). The disease is associated most often with dogs housed in a high-density population or boarding kennel or dogs that play in dog parks.  The infectious agents can be transmitted through the air or by contact with contaminated surfaces. Puppies and younger dogs are at greatest risk, but even old dogs can acquire kennel cough.

The incubation period from the time the dog first contracts the infection to the time that symptoms develop is typically between 3 to 10 days, and the symptoms can last for days to weeks.
Kennel cough causes a variety of symptoms that can vary in severity.

Signs of upper respiratory problems such as conjunctivitis (irritated eyes), rhinitis (runny nose) or sneezing may be observed.

Cough. The classic symptoms are bouts of a loud, honking cough that worsen with activity or excitement and can persist for minutes. The dog will often act as if something is stuck in the throat and retch or vomit up fluid after coughing. If secondary pneumonia develops, the dog often shows signs of illness such as loss of appetite, depression, or fever.

Loss of appetite

Depression

Fever

Difficult breathing

Any of these signs should prompt a visit to see your veterinarian in order to be certain pneumonia has not set in.

To prevent the spread of kennel cough, keep your dog away from other dogs for at least two weeks after recovery. In addition, do the following:

Limit exercise and enforce periods of rest; don't exercise or play with your dog. Activity often initiates periods of loud, uncomfortable coughing.

Encourage adequate fluid intake to maintain hydration. Provide soft food if dry food irritates the throat.

If your dog normally wears a restraint collar, remove it or replace it with a harness to decrease airway irritation.

Avoid environmental stresses including house dust, vapors, chemical fumes and tobacco smoke.

To mobilize secretions and reduce coughing, provide humidified air (e.g. a vaporizer in the dog's room or in a steamy bathroom for one or two hours).

PROTECT!

Advantages of Nasal Vaccination

There are several advantages to intranasal vaccination of bordetella. Some studies have shown that the nasal method of administration may result in quicker protection. The intranasal vaccine also is intended to protect the animal at the source of the infection, the upper airways.
Another advantage is that there is not an injection. This is particularly positive for those dogs that are very sensitive and find injection painful.

Happy New Year! Welcome 2011!

     Well hope we all survived the "holidays"! A new year is upon us and with that comes some exciting news soon to be released regarding our brand new facility that is in the works.

     We recently received a new product that is unlike any other on the market. It's called "Healthy Mouth". If your pet has gingivitis problems, then this is a great product to get. It products comes in pouches that are added to the drinking water. The company claims that is can reduce gingivits by up to 70%! It is available for cats and for dogs. Call us today for more information.

     Something else that is new around the hospital is a new analyzer for in house progesterone testing. Thsi is for breeders that are using it for timing on breedings, normally we would have to wait 24 hours for results. our new instrument  now can offer results in 1/2 hour! NO more waiting!

Remember, National Dental Health Month is approaching. Call our office for more details on how you can help your pets mouth and save some money all at the same time!

Its the day before Christmas Eve and we are already seeing  ingestion cases of christmas trees, and decorationsand chocolate! Remember if your pet does ingest any of these, do not wait until they become sick. Notify your veterinarian immediately!

We will not be blogging over the holidays, so wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a fabulous 2011!
We will have some very exciting news for the new year, so stay tuned!

Cheers!

The Allandale Veterinary Team