Boykin Spaniels are impeccable hunting dogs with the endurance and tenacity to withstand adverse situations. Although these dogs are physically strong, they are impervious to the most commonly inherited diseases.
They are low maintenance though they are genetically predisposed to anal gland problems. In this article, we will discuss the signs of anal gland problems in Boykin Spaniels and the treatment procedure, respectively. Without further ado, let’s dive in!
What Causes Anal Glands To Fill?
When a dog defecates, the fluid in its anal sacs is squeezed out consequently. When all is well, you hardly notice the anal glands. However, these sacs usually get impacted, and the gland does not empty completely due to the inflammation of the ducts.
In retrospect, blocked anal glands make it uncomfortable for your dog to excrete properly and often carry a pungent, nauseating smell. When left untreated, these glands can become completely impacted or infected.
The secretion within the sacs is prone to bacterial growth as the fluid does not extract normally and risks becoming infected. When the dog and the gland infection are not treated immediately–abscesses can form and eventually rupture. Hence, it is imperative to check your dog for anal gland problems, especially when they are genetically predisposed to them.
What Are the Anal Gland Problems in Dogs?
Anal glands can be impacted for a plethora of reasons. Your dog may be consuming poor-quality food with insufficient dietary fiber. Inflammation of the glands can narrow the duct, making it more difficult for the fluid to be excreted.
While all breeds are affected by anal gland problems, it is projected that at least 4% of dogs are diagnosed with this condition every year. Research even shows that some breeds are more likely to develop this condition than others, like Cocker Spaniels and Boykin Spaniels.
Unfortunately, Boykin Spaniels are genetically predisposed to this condition. They are prone to developing long-term sores around the anus and experience excruciating pain while defecating and discharging around the rectum.
Signs of Impacted or Infected Anal Glands
According to the American Kennel Club, the signs of impacted anal glands is often unique to each dog. Although Boykin Spaniels have breed-specific health concerns, there are some common signs that every dog experiences. Luckily, these signs are easy to spot.
Some of them are listed below.
An Unpleasant Fishy Smell
While anal gland secretions are primarily minute, you may not notice a distinct smell instantly. Some dog parents have presented their dog’s tendency to squirt a foul-smelling liquid every time they’re startled by a sudden knock.
Others have noticed an unpleasant smell on their dog’s bedding between washes. The strong odor may be unique to your Boykin Spaniel’s anal glands. It is usually believed that an expression of fluid usually gives you an indication of an inherent anal gland problem.
Dragging or Scooting Their Rear
Some dogs are unable to empty their glands completely, which causes them to become impacted. As a result, it becomes extremely uncomfortable for your dog to defecate on its own.
Boykin Spaniels usually tend to drag or scoot their rear, just like other dogs, to get rid of some of the uneasiness; they do so along the floor or lawn in an attempt to empty them. Since they are at a higher risk of bacterial and viral infections, you should get them treated immediately.
Change in Anal Gland Fluid Color
Normal anal gland fluid usually has a yellow to light brown color. The consistency of the stool is usually watery and smells like a typical dog stool does. However, if your dog’s stool appears brown and has a thick, viscous consistency, it is a clear indication of anal gland problems.
Blood or Pus in the Stool or Rectum
Another indication of anal gland problems is checking if your dog’s stool contains blood or pus. Red pus or discharge spots left on the floor can also hint at an anal gland problem.
This could be an infection that can develop into an abscess if left untreated.
Swollen Area Showing an Abscess
An untreated infection usually develops into a swollen area, also known as an abscess. Since Boykin Spaniels are medium-sized dogs, they are susceptible as their anal glands are comparatively smaller, making them more prone to blockage.
A gland that contains excess fluid is unlikely to empty and causes blockage or impactions regularly if not managed properly.
How To Tell if Your Dog Needs Their Anal Glands Expressed?
Since Boykin Spaniels are prone to metabolic and digestive disorders, you should regularly monitor what they consume.
If your dog shows the above-mentioned symptoms, you should probably consult your veterinarian for an expression.
An expression process involves getting your dog’s anal glands drained so that the ducts can easily pass the fluid without getting blocked or impacted. This is one of the most known effective medical treatments for anal gland disease. Your veterinarian will first thoroughly examine your dog’s condition and check the following:
- Whether your dog’s anal glands are infected
- The source of the issue
If your dog’s glands are ruptured, you may not be able to go ahead with the expression process although you can seek medication to treat the problem. In such cases, it’s always recommended to have pet health insurance at your closest pet emergency hospital.
Treatment and Prevention of Anal Gland Disease
If your dog’s glands are ruptured or infected, your veterinarian will prescribe a supplement or antibiotic to treat the problem first. After the infection is treated, your vet will open and drain the abscess and prescribe antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs.
Hot compresses applied for 15 minutes after an interval of 8 hours can be beneficial for softening the abscess. Adding supplement fiber to the diet can also be thoroughly helpful for sac compression and emptying.
Other Genetic Predispositions for Boykin Spaniels
Besides anal gland problems, Boykin Spaniel’s life span is filled with genetic predispositions due to their bad genes.
Some early bad gene symptoms include progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which causes night blindness or dilated pupils, exercise-induced collapse, ear infection allergies, and hip dysplasia.
A dog with hip dysplasia will have improper joints which makes them more prone to arthritis. When we compare normal hip x-rays with those of a dog with hip dysplasia, there is a noticeable difference in the hip joint.
Conclusion
Boykin Spaniels are extremely affectionate and energetic dogs, but they come with their own genetic predispositions. Anal gland problems are common among Boykin Spaniels; hence they need to be treated with medications, prescription food, and sometimes even surgery.
We hope this article helped you make an informed decision.
