Please help- My dog Jack Russell called Tigger suffers with... Anal sacks. Especially the right anal sack?

Question

never seems to empty even by the vets.
My dog called Tigger he a lovely funny dog and just been through a lot of tough things throughout is life he is a 5year old and has had anal sack problems over the past year and half on going.
Tigger has lost bits of hair on his skin due to anal sack problems keeps biting, scratching, hops around the garden like a bunny! But apart from that he gets on with it and he his normal self.
I have changed diet adding bran flakes to his food, exercised him more, I even tried remedies like silca6, I had them flushed out last year few times but them it comes back again. The main problem is that the left one empties by the vet but the right anal sack can’t seem to get in and empty it. Strange because another vet managed to open it twice and he didn’t have to come back till 2 months later (may be this was just one odd time) I tried to book in to see that vet but always booked up. Then all the different vets I have seen always had problems emptying the right anal sack. I really don’t want to put him through having the operation done but if I have to I will.
I heard it not nice operation and how long will he take to recover?
I went to the vets today and the vet told me for Tigger’s sake you got to have them removed it will benefit the dog and be permanently relief for him. The vet has booked him on next Wednesday.
I am dreading it! I don’t no what to do, do you think I shouldn’t remove them or go ahead and hope for the best.
Thank you!

Answer 1

I have a Jake Russell, too, and he has the same problem...although not nearly as severe...about once a year we have to take him to the vet to get them expelled...since Tigger is only 5, he has a long life ahead of him (mine is almost 13!)...I would get the operation so Tigger can be comfortable and happy...Good Luck...

Answer 2

My dog needed had a problem with his leg and I didnt go for a second opinion so he ended up needing two surgeries. I would strongly suggest going for a second or even third opinion even though it may seem like a waste of money it could save you and the dog a lot in the end. Also do you know if he might have allergies? you'd be surprised but alot could stem from allergies. I have my dog on pinnacle dog food duck and potato. Its free of wheat, yeast, corn, dairy, soy. Many dog foods these days have so much crap in it they are making dogs sick and allergic.

Answer 3

1 tablespoon of Pumpkin in his food Helps the anal glands. I agree with Jeanine D that diet plays a big role. Pinnacle is a great food or you can try a grain free food like Wellness Core, Taste of the wild or Prairie.

Answer 4

i had a Dalmatian like that. You can learn to do it yourself at home, the vet will show you how. It is kinda gross to do it, but it will save you a lot of trouble in the end. I would seek out another opinion from another vet, before surgery.

Answer 5

For your dog's health and well being, have the sac removed so that he no longer has to go through this torment any longer if you or the vet cannot empty it. Also, the bran could further irritate his anus and sacs as the bran flecks can stay in the rectum causing irritation.

Answer 6

I have a friend who owns a beagle and she had the vet show her how to do it, so maybe you might have the vet go through it with you that way you can just do it monthly, that way you dont have to worry about trips to the vet and if its bugging him you can do it yourself... :)