Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” collection, the place each Monday we deliver professional recommendation straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to assist our readers higher perceive their canine’s well being and well-being.
Whether you’re a brand new pet father or mother 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 frequent behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to supply insights that may preserve your furry buddy pleased and wholesome. Stay tuned for professional steering on a spread of subjects that matter most to you and your canine, so you can also make knowledgeable selections and supply the absolute best care on your canine companion. Have a question? Send it in here! 
Help! My Dog Has Anal Gland Issues!
“Hi Dr. Paola,
I’ve an virtually 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 on occasion. 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 educated to do. However, different analysis I’ve learn says to not categorical the anal glands continuously as a result of the glands will stop doing it on their very own. I finished 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 sometimes empty naturally throughout regular bowel actions when a canine has agency, well-formed stools. However, some canine with barely totally different anatomy, persistent mushy stool, allergic reactions, or different elements could have issue emptying them effectively. While some hound breeds, together with Beagles, may be predisposed to anal gland points as a result of their physique construction and measurement, manually expressing them too usually can result in dependence, irritation, and even irritation. If the anal glands are expressed too usually, they will turn into hypofunctional or fibrotic, that means they lose their capacity to empty naturally. Frequent handbook expression can result in glandular atrophy, the place the glands cease functioning correctly as a result of repeated interference. Additionally, 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 will create a cycle of dependence the place the glands now not empty on their very own and require steady handbook intervention.
If Lucy is simply occasionally oozing anal gland liquid however isn’t excessively scooting, licking, or exhibiting indicators of discomfort, then permitting her physique to manage whereas monitoring and supporting her food regimen for optimum stool consistency is an inexpensive strategy. However, it’s a advantageous line, since leaking could point out glands are usually not efficiently emptying, so monitor her feces consistency to get extra clues. In some canine, minor leakage could happen when they’re relaxed, excited, or below stress, as sudden muscle contractions could cause a small launch of fluid. However, frequent or persistent leaking; particularly if accompanied by a powerful odor, irritation, extreme licking, or scooting can point out an underlying challenge reminiscent of 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 a high-fiber food regimen, reminiscent of 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 seemingly heading in the right direction by stepping again and letting nature take over. However, retaining an in depth eye on her is essential. If the issue worsens, together with indicators reminiscent of 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. Every canine is totally different, and whereas some require occasional handbook expression, many can regulate on their very own when their digestion and food regimen are optimum, making pointless intervention extra dangerous than useful.
Dr. Paola
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Help! My Dog Fell Down Stairs!
“Dear Dr. Paola,
My canine took a tumble down about 5 stairs. He can stroll however gained’t bounce and he has a bump close to his again leg” – Julia
Julia, it feels like your canine could have suffered a mushy tissue damage or presumably a extra critical musculoskeletal challenge from the autumn. Since he’s strolling, that’s a great signal, however his reluctance to jump and the presence of a bump close to his again leg counsel ache, swelling, or perhaps a deeper damage like a hematoma, sprain, or fracture. Dogs are sometimes fairly resilient, however in addition they instinctively masks discomfort, so any change in mobility or habits needs to 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 irritate the damage. Rest and restricted motion are essential within the first 24-48 hours, so retaining him from leaping and limiting exercise will assist. A chilly compress utilized briefly intervals could cut 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 important to rule out fractures, ligament harm, or inside trauma. If discomfort worsens, an in-person veterinary go to can be one of the best ways to make sure he will get the precise care and pain management.
Help! My Dog is Constipated!
“Hello 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” – Bill
Bill, if Ollie hasn’t had a bowel movement in three days, that is approaching the purpose the place it could now not be secure to attend it out. While delicate constipation can typically be relieved with dietary modifications and elevated hydration, three days with out passing stool; particularly if he’s straining or uncomfortable, means it is best to have him evaluated by a veterinarian as quickly as potential.
When constipation persists, the stool loses its moisture and turns into exhausting and compacted, making it much more troublesome to move. This can result in obstipation, the place the intestines turn into utterly blocked, and in extreme instances, it may end up in megacolon, a situation the place the colon stretches and loses its capacity to perform correctly. At this stage, medical intervention is required, and coverings could contain enemas, handbook stool elimination, fluid remedy, and even surgical procedure if the colon is severely impacted.
If Ollie continues to be consuming and appearing usually, you may attempt including fiber, like plain canned pumpkin or psyllium husk, and making certain he stays hydrated. Gentle train may assist stimulate bowel actions. However, 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 will probably be to resolve, and ready too lengthy may flip a treatable challenge into a way more critical medical emergency.
Dr. Paola
