Monday February 24, 2025 – Dogster

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, the place each Monday we carry knowledgeable 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 offer solutions to your most urgent questions. From vitamin ideas and preventive care to troubleshooting frequent behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to supply insights that can hold your furry pal blissful and wholesome. Keep tuned for knowledgeable steering on a spread of subjects that matter most to you and your canine, so you may make knowledgeable choices and supply the very best care on 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 once in a while. I used to be advised by my groomer that hound-type canine have anal gland troubles and that I ought to specific her glands routinely which I’ve been educated to do. Nevertheless, different analysis I’ve learn says to not specific the anal glands often 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 true?” – Melissa

Melissa, you’re completely proper to rethink routinely expressing Lucy’s anal glands. These glands sometimes empty naturally throughout regular bowel actions when a canine has agency, well-formed stools. Nevertheless, some canine with barely completely different anatomy, continual tender stool, allergic reactions, or different components might have problem emptying them effectively. Whereas some hound breeds, together with Beagles, could be predisposed to anal gland points as a result 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 potential to empty naturally. Frequent guide expression can result in glandular atrophy, the place the glands cease functioning correctly as a result of repeated interference. Moreover, extreme manipulation may cause continual irritation or sclerosis, resulting in thickened secretions and scarring of the glandular tissue, which makes pure expression much more troublesome. Over time, this may create a cycle of dependence the place the glands not empty on their very own and require steady guide intervention.

If Lucy is just occasionally oozing anal gland liquid however isn’t excessively scooting, licking, or displaying indicators of discomfort, then permitting her physique to control whereas monitoring and supporting her weight loss plan for optimum stool consistency is an inexpensive strategy. Nevertheless, it’s a fantastic line, since leaking might point out glands should 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 beneath stress, as sudden muscle contractions may cause a small launch of fluid. Nevertheless, frequent or persistent leaking; particularly if accompanied by a robust odor, irritation, extreme licking, or scooting can point out an underlying problem corresponding to gentle impaction, irritation, and even an an infection, which requires medical intervention. Routine expression in an in any other case wholesome canine can truly do extra hurt than good. Supporting her gland perform by means of a high-fiber weight loss plan, corresponding to including canned pumpkin or psyllium husk, can assist bulk up her stools, encouraging pure expression throughout bowel actions.

Since Lucy has occasional leakage however no main indicators of misery, you’re seemingly heading in the right direction by stepping again and letting nature take over. Nevertheless, preserving 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 completely different, and whereas some require occasional guide expression, many can regulate on their very own when their digestion and weight loss plan are optimum, making pointless intervention extra dangerous than useful.

Dr. Paola

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Assist! My Canine Fell Down Stairs!

“Pricey Dr. Paola,

My canine took a tumble down about 5 stairs. He can stroll however received’t bounce and he has a bump close to his again leg” – Julia

Julia, it appears like your canine might have suffered a tender tissue harm or probably a extra critical musculoskeletal problem from the autumn. Since he’s strolling, that’s an excellent signal, however his reluctance to jump and the presence of a bump close to his again leg recommend ache, swelling, or perhaps a deeper harm like a hematoma, sprain, or fracture. Canines 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 can assist decide if there’s elevated heat, swelling, or sensitivity, however keep away from extreme manipulation, as this might irritate the harm. Relaxation and restricted motion are essential within the first 24-48 hours, so preserving him from leaping and limiting exercise will assist. A chilly compress utilized briefly 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 right away veterinary analysis is critical to rule out fractures, ligament harm, or inner trauma. If discomfort worsens, an in-person veterinary go to could be the easiest way to make sure he will get the best care and pain management.

Assist! My Canine is Constipated!

“Hi there 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 might not be protected to attend it out. Whereas gentle constipation can generally be relieved with dietary modifications 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 attainable.

When constipation persists, the stool loses its moisture and turns into arduous and compacted, making it much more troublesome to cross. This could 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 potential to perform correctly. At this stage, medical intervention is required, and coverings might contain enemas, guide stool elimination, fluid remedy, and even surgical procedure if the colon is severely impacted.

If Ollie remains 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 may also 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 more durable it will likely be to resolve, and ready too lengthy may flip a treatable problem into a way more critical medical emergency.

Dr. Paola