Hello,

My name is XX. XX and I will do my best to help you with your question about Magic's anal glands.

Are you still there? I'd like to ask you a couple of questions in order to help you better....

I read what you wrote about just finding out this is needed. I'm curious to know exactly what you meant by that.

If you're indicating that you read somewhere that routine cleaning of the anal glands is something ALL dogs need to have done on a regular basis, I'd like to reassure you that's actually not necessary.

If - on the other hand - Magic is having a problem with his anal glands, I can certainly explain how they are emptied.

First, let me clarify that if a dog is NOT having anal gland problems, as manifested by excessive scooting, licking, redness, swelling, discomfort, or straining to defecate, his anal glands should not be interfered with.

They fill and empty normally on their own. The glands continuously produce their foul-smelling contents, and every firm bowel movement squeezes the glands a little bit and empties a portion of the anal glands content onto the BM.

Typically a large breed dog like a doberman won't have anal gland issues.

Some dogs, however, will develop anal gland problems that require veterinary attention. Sometimes these issues are chronic and happen over and over again, and an owner will learn how to empty the anal glands at home, but this is not typical.

The anal glands are located immediately inside the anus, at approximately the four o'clock and eight o'clock positions. Are the swellings Magic has in those locations?

There are two ways to empty anal glands, externally and internally. To empty the anal glands externally, all you do is apply pressure with a thumb on forefinger on either gland and gently squeeze it to empty the contents and relieve the pressure. The duct that drains the gland empties just inside the anus. If, however, that duct is blocked and the anal gland is obstructed, it may form an abscess and burst out tearing a hole through the skin. That requires veterinary attention.

To empty the glands internally, you wear gloves and use lubricating jelly to insert your index finger up to between the first and second knuckle in the rectum. This way, you can gently grasp and manipulate the gland between the internal index finger and the thumb pressing on the outside of the gland. Careful manipulation is required; there's a knack to doing it. Apply gently pressure while pushing the gland gently away from the center of the anus, in order to stretch and open the duct to allow the gland to drain. If you do it right, you will feel it release.

Repeat for the other gland.

In general, with external expression only, you can remove enough of the anal gland contents to make the patient comfortable again.

Warm compresses can help the glands drain on their own.

I have NEVER seen engorged anal glands appear blackish or dark purple. I think you've got something else going on here. There are other types of glands in the skin around the anus, and these can form tumors, even in a dog as young as Magic. Unfortunately, I don't think this is something you should try to manage at home. He should be seen by a vet. Also ... I apologize, but the website rules do not allow us to contact customers outside of the forum, so I cannot call you. Please keep in mind, however, that you CAN save this page and always post more to it later. I'll be notified via email.

Also, can you tell me if Magic is neutered or not? The glands in the skin around the anus tend to be more active (and more likely to develop problems) in an UNneutered male dog.

Additionally, it's important to point out that these other types of non-anal gland problems, tumors of the glands of the skin around the rectum most commonly occur without causing other symptoms or problems.

Are you still there?

Okay. That is wonderful description and it helps a lot. This is absolutely NOT an anal gland issue. In fact, it is not a typical appearance for a specific problem or syndrome, so - like any unknown lump, bump, or swelling on the skin - a trip to the vet for a diagnosis is in order. At least you don't have to worry about addressing his anal glands, now. Also, please do not panic - this is not a typical appearance for any type of malignancy, either. You just have to have your vet examine Magic and possibly look at a small sample from the lumps under the microscope or aspirate them with a needle to know what they are.

I'm afraid this really isn't a situation you can solve at home, without veterinary care. I'm glad the lumps aren't bothering him. That's good.

Is there anything else I can help you with?

No. Definitely not the anal glands.

Thank you for your kind words. I want to be as helpful as I can. I'd love to have the chance to work with you again in the future. Just address your questions to Dr. Jo and I will be notified via email. I do NOT recommend using any over-the-counter creams or treatments, simply because we don't know what the swellings are and using the wrong thing could be harmful. If they burst before you get to the vet, first - don't panic if the stuff that drains looks purple or bloody. That's to be expected. Use pressure to stop any bleeding. Clean the drainage away with warm water, nothing else. And - if cleaning seems to make it bleed worse, don't clean it. Just hold a washcloth around it and get Magic to the vet.

I hope this information is helpful.

Remember, you can return to this conversation and post more later. I'll be notified via email. In the meantime, Magic is lucky to have you taking such good care of him. He is in good hands.

As we wrap this up, please take a moment to enter a rating for me below. Your feedback is important to me. Thank you.

Sorry -- once again your contact information is blocked out on my end as the website prohibits us from contacting each other outside this forum. Yes. Just put Attention Dr. JO at the beginning of your question. Save the URL of this page to return to it and use the reply function to return to this question.

I'll look forward to seeing an email message from you later today, if you don't mind, letting me know what you found out at the vet. I really like to know how ALL my patients are doing - even the ones I only meet online.

I apologize, especially after your kind words about me not making you feel rushed, but I really do have to leave now to head to the clinic. Please rest assured I will see any further responses of yours via email. That will be be nice because you won't feel like you have to hurry to type. I'll be back online after a few hours. I'll make sure to address all your concerns then.

And, lastly, please do be sure to enter a rating. It's very helpful to me. Thank you, and enjoy your day.