Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, the place each Monday we deliver skilled recommendation straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to assist our readers higher perceive their canine’s well being and well-being.
Whether or not you’re a brand new pet mother or father or a seasoned canine lover, Dr. Paola is right here to supply solutions to your most urgent questions. From diet ideas and preventive care to troubleshooting widespread behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to supply insights that may maintain your furry pal completely satisfied and wholesome. Keep tuned for skilled steerage on a variety of matters that matter most to you and your canine, so you can also make knowledgeable selections and supply the absolute best care to your canine companion. Have a question? Send it in here! 
Assist! My Canine Has Anal Gland Points!
“Hello Dr. Paola,
I’ve an nearly 10-year-old feminine beagle combine that I adopted when she was round two. I wouldn’t say she’s had anal gland issues the entire time, however she does “drain” or “ooze” anal gland liquid every now and then. I used to be advised by my groomer that hound-type canine have anal gland troubles and that I ought to categorical her glands routinely which I’ve been skilled to do. Nevertheless, different analysis I’ve learn says to not categorical the anal glands incessantly as a result of the glands will stop doing it on their very own. I ended expressing them and am letting nature do its factor. Which is correct?” – Melissa
Melissa, you’re completely proper to rethink routinely expressing Lucy’s anal glands. These glands usually empty naturally throughout regular bowel actions when a canine has agency, well-formed stools. Nevertheless, some canine with barely totally different anatomy, persistent delicate stool, allergy symptoms, or different components might have problem emptying them effectively. Whereas some hound breeds, together with Beagles, may be predisposed to anal gland points on account of their physique construction and dimension, manually expressing them too usually can result in dependence, irritation, and even irritation. If the anal glands are expressed too usually, they will grow to be hypofunctional or fibrotic, which means they lose their capacity to empty naturally. Frequent guide expression can result in glandular atrophy, the place the glands cease functioning correctly on account of repeated interference. Moreover, extreme manipulation could cause persistent irritation or sclerosis, resulting in thickened secretions and scarring of the glandular tissue, which makes pure expression much more troublesome. Over time, this could create a cycle of dependence the place the glands not empty on their very own and require steady guide intervention.
If Lucy is simply occasionally oozing anal gland liquid however isn’t excessively scooting, licking, or displaying indicators of discomfort, then permitting her physique to manage whereas monitoring and supporting her weight-reduction plan for optimum stool consistency is an affordable strategy. Nevertheless, it’s a effective line, since leaking might point out glands usually are not efficiently emptying, so monitor her feces consistency to get extra clues. In some canine, minor leakage might happen when they’re relaxed, excited, or underneath stress, as sudden muscle contractions could cause a small launch of fluid. Nevertheless, frequent or persistent leaking; particularly if accompanied by a powerful odor, irritation, extreme licking, or scooting can point out an underlying concern corresponding to delicate impaction, irritation, and even an an infection, which requires medical intervention. Routine expression in an in any other case wholesome canine can really do extra hurt than good. Supporting her gland perform by way of a high-fiber weight-reduction plan, corresponding to including canned pumpkin or psyllium husk, may help bulk up her stools, encouraging pure expression throughout bowel actions.
Since Lucy has occasional leakage however no main indicators of misery, you’re possible heading in the right direction by stepping again and letting nature take over. Nevertheless, holding an in depth eye on her is necessary. If the issue worsens, together with indicators corresponding to frequent leakage, discomfort, scooting, extreme licking, nibbling or foul-smelling discharge, in-clinic veterinary care is required to rule out underlying irritation or an infection. Each canine is totally different, and whereas some require occasional guide expression, many can regulate on their very own when their digestion and weight-reduction plan are optimum, making pointless intervention extra dangerous than useful.
Dr. Paola
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Assist! My Canine Fell Down Stairs!
“Expensive Dr. Paola,
My canine took a tumble down about 5 stairs. He can stroll however received’t leap and he has a bump close to his again leg” – Julia
Julia, it seems like your canine might have suffered a delicate tissue harm or presumably a extra critical musculoskeletal concern from the autumn. Since he’s strolling, that’s a very good signal, however his reluctance to jump and the presence of a bump close to his again leg counsel ache, swelling, or perhaps a deeper harm like a hematoma, sprain, or fracture. Canine are sometimes fairly resilient, however additionally they instinctively masks discomfort, so any change in mobility or conduct must be taken critically.
Gently checking the realm across the bump may help decide if there’s elevated heat, swelling, or sensitivity, however keep away from extreme manipulation, as this might worsen the harm. Relaxation and restricted motion are essential within the first 24-48 hours, so holding him from leaping and limiting exercise will assist. A chilly compress utilized in brief intervals might scale back swelling, but when the bump grows, he turns into extra reluctant to maneuver, or he begins favoring the leg significantly, a direct veterinary analysis is critical to rule out fractures, ligament injury, or inner trauma. If discomfort worsens, an in-person veterinary go to could be one of the simplest ways to make sure he will get the best care and pain management.
Assist! My Canine is Constipated!
“Howdy Dr. Paola!
Ollie has been constipated for the final 3 days, what ought to I feed him to assist? We feed him a Cesar .35 OZ with uncooked veggies and cooked rice. He will get a nutritious diet and has been common for years besides when he’s sick” – Invoice
Invoice, if Ollie hasn’t had a bowel movement in three days, that is approaching the purpose the place it could not be protected to attend it out. Whereas delicate constipation can generally be relieved with dietary adjustments and elevated hydration, three days with out passing stool; particularly if he’s straining or uncomfortable, means you need to have him evaluated by a veterinarian as quickly as doable.
When constipation persists, the stool loses its moisture and turns into exhausting and compacted, making it much more troublesome to move. This will result in obstipation, the place the intestines grow to be fully blocked, and in extreme circumstances, it can lead to megacolon, a situation the place the colon stretches and loses its capacity to perform correctly. At this stage, medical intervention is required, and coverings might contain enemas, guide stool removing, fluid remedy, and even surgical procedure if the colon is severely impacted.
If Ollie continues to be consuming and performing usually, you may attempt including fiber, like plain canned pumpkin or psyllium husk, and making certain he stays hydrated. Mild train also can assist stimulate bowel actions. Nevertheless, if he hasn’t handed stool inside the subsequent 12-24 hours or reveals any indicators of misery, lethargy, or vomiting, he wants veterinary consideration instantly. The longer this goes on, the tougher it will likely be to resolve, and ready too lengthy may flip a treatable concern into a way more critical medical emergency.
Dr. Paola
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola sequence
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