Welcome to the “Ask Dr. Paola” series. Here we bring you expert advice directly from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) every Monday, ensuring that readers have a better understanding of your dog’s health and well-being.
Whether you’re a new pet parent or a veteran lover, Dr. Paola is here to provide answers to your most pressing questions. From nutritional tips and preventive care to troubleshooting common behavioral issues, Dr. Paola is ready to provide insights that will keep your furry friends happy and healthy. Stay tuned for expert guidance on the various topics that are most important to you and your dog. This allows you to make informed decisions and provide the best possible care to your dog peers. Do you have a question? Send it here! 
Help! My dog has anal gland problems!
“Hello, Dr. Paola,
I have a 10-year-old female beagle mix that she adopted when she was two years old. I don’t say she has had anal gland problems all along, but she frequently does anal gland fluid “drain” or “soothing” it. I was told by a groomer that hound type dogs have anal gland problems and that I need to express her glands on a daily basis. However, other studies I have read say that the glands do not frequently express the anal glands because they stop doing what they do themselves. I stop expressing them and naturally let them do that. Which is correct? ” – Melissa
Melissa, you are absolutely right to reconsider the everyday expression of Lucy’s anal glands. These glands usually empty naturally during normal defecation when the dog has a firm, plasticized stool. However, some dogs with anatomical anatomy, chronic soft stool, allergies, or other factors can be difficult to empty them efficiently. Some hound breeds, including beagles, tend to suffer from anal gland problems due to body structure and size, but expressing them too often can lead to dependence, stimulation, or inflammation There is. If anal glands are expressed too frequently, they can become hypofunctional or fibrotic. In other words, you lose the ability to naturally empty. Frequent manual expression can lead to glandular atrophy, where the glands stop functioning properly due to repeated interference. Furthermore, excessive manipulation can cause chronic inflammation and sclerosis, leading to thickening of secretions and scarring of glandular tissue, making natural expression even more difficult. Over time, this creates a cycle of dependency that will empty the glands alone and requires continuous manual intervention.
If Lucy occasionally bleeds the fluid in her anal glands but does not overscoot, lick or show any signs of discomfort, monitor and support her diet for optimal stool consistency. It is a reasonable approach to being able to adjust your body while doing so. However, it is a fine line, as the leak may indicate that the glands are not properly empty. Therefore, fecal consistency can be monitored to get more clues. In some dogs, sudden muscle contractions can cause slight release of fluid, which can cause minor leaks when relaxed, excited or under stress. However, frequent or persistent leaks; particularly when accompanied by strong odor, irritation, excessive licking, or scooting, the underlying issues such as mild collisions, inflammation, and even infections requiring medical intervention. Can be shown. The everyday expression of an otherwise healthy dog can actually be more harmful than good. Supporting glandular function through a high-fiber diet, such as adding canned pumpkins and chryllium shells, helps to promote natural expression during defecation.
Lucy is sometimes leaking, but there are no major signs of pain, so you may be on the right track by retreating and taking over nature. But it’s important to pay attention to her. If the problem worsens, such as signs of frequent leaks, discomfort, scooting, excessive licking, biting, or dirty drainage, intra-clinical veterinary care must rule out underlying inflammation or infection. there is. All dogs are different, and some sometimes require manual expression, but many can adjust their own when digestion and diet are optimal, and more harmful than helping unnecessary interventions I’ll do it.
Dr. Paola
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Help! My dog went down the stairs!
“Dear Dr. Paola,
My dog tumbled down about five steps. He can walk, but he doesn’t jump, and he has a bump near his feet behind him.” – Julia
Julia, it sounds like your dog may have suffered from soft tissue damage or perhaps more serious musculoskeletal problems since autumn. He is walking, so that’s a good sign, but resisting his jump, the presence of a bump near his leg behind him is a pain, swelling, or deeper like a hematoma, sprain, or fracture. It even suggests injuries. Dogs are often very resilient, but instinctively hide discomfort, changes in mobility and behavior should be taken seriously.
Gently checking the area around the bumps will help you determine whether it will increase warmth, swelling and sensitivity, but avoid excessive manipulation as this can worsen your injury. Rest and restricted movements are very important in the first 24-48 hours, so it is helpful to prevent jumping and limiting activities. A cold compress applied at short intervals can reduce swelling, but as the bumps grow, he becomes more reluctant to move or begins to support his legs significantly. An immediate veterinary evaluation is required to rule out fractures, ligament damage, or internal trauma. If the discomfort is worsened, a face-to-face veterinarian visit is the best way to ensure he has proper care and pain management.
Help! My dog is constipated!
“Hello, Dr. Paola!
Ollie has been constipated for the past 3 days, what should I feed to help him? We give him .35 oz Cesar with raw vegetables and rice. He was eating a healthy diet and was regular for years except when he was sick.” – invoice
If Bill, Ollie has not defecated in 3 days, this is approaching a point that may not be safe to wait for it. Mild constipation can be alleviated for 3 days, sometimes without passing through the stool due to changes in diet and increased hydration. In particular, if he is nervous or uncomfortable, it means that he should be evaluated by the vet as soon as possible.
If constipation continues, the stool loses its water, becomes stiff and compressed, making it even more difficult to pass through. This can lead to egg laying, where the intestine is completely blocked, and in severe cases it can result in megacolon, a condition in which the colon develops and loses its ability to function properly. This stage requires medical intervention and treatment may include intestinal, manual stool removal, liquid therapy, and even surgery if the colon is severely affected.
If Ollie is still eating and acting normally, try adding fiber like regular canned pumpkins or plantain shells to help him stay hydrated. Gentle exercise can also help stimulate bowel movements. However, if he has not passed the stool within the next 12-24 hours or shows no signs of distress, lethargy or vomiting, he will immediately need the attention of a veterinarian. The longer this is, the more difficult it will be to resolve, and waiting too long can turn a treatable problem into a much more serious medical emergency.
Dr. Paola
This article is part of the weekly question Dr. Paola series
