Is removing dog anal glands during spay surgery safe or harmful?

Yes you can continue doing what you are doing especially if it is helping. Typically if a dog has chronic issues with the anal glands we recommend surgical removal of the glands. ( https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951501 )

Just as in people, anesthetic procedures are not without risk. However, if she is deemed healthy and will be adequately monitored during the procedure, the risk is minimized. She should have a full blood panel performed beforehand to make sure she is healthy to undergo the procedure. Your vet should also do a good physical exam to ensure she does not have a heart murmur or other health concerns. Wishing you both the best!

While any anesthesia carries a risk, spaying is generally a very safe procedure. The risks of anesthesia increase as a dog ages (I'm specifically referencing senior dogs like 10 years and older), but there are few risks for a young and healthy puppy. Your vet is right she could be ill in the future if you don't spay her. Not spaying her leaves her at risk of developing a pyometra in the future. This is an infection of the uterus that is fatal without treatment, and spaying the dog is part of the treatment of a pyometra. That surgery is high risk due to the severity of the illness in the dog from the infection, and it costs thousands to perform. In addition, dogs who are spayed are at an increased risk of developing mammary tumors. Of these mammary tumors, 50% of them are malignant. For her health, it is best to spay her now. I would speak with your vet about getting it done. I hope this helps!

Anal sac removal surgery can have this kind of complication, that could be transient (lasts up to 2-3weeks time) or unfortunately permanent. Fecal incontinence is due to nerve inflammation. Perianal/anal reflex can be eventually stimulated by using a thermometer. I would wait a week time more before considering it permanent. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Hello. Most anal gland infections heal up quite nicely with medications & keeping the area clean. Unless there is a special circumstance involving Tia's glands, such as the area is just not healing, additional flushing & treatment is usually not necessary. See how she does after a week on antibiotics & if she is doing well, just continue the antibiotics. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Poor Marius! I'm sorry he has been through so much recently! I think you should consider a trial or a prescription diet for food allergy first as many anal gland issues are related to food allergies. A diet like Royal Canin Ultamino would be a possible choice. However, if he still is having anal gland issues despite the prescription diet then surgical removal of the anal glands is probably the best choice. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and best to you and Marius!

Unfortunately the choice is either removal of the uterus and ovaries and survival or losing her to sepsis or kidney failure . Anesthesia is very safe nowadays and the surgery, while log and not easy, is not that dangerous. So having her spayed is the best and safest option, even at her age. Your vet will likely do gas anesthesia which is very easily turned off, ie , if there are complications, your dog can be taken our of anesthesia very quickly, which is a safety factor. Ask your vet for pain medicine for her for the days afterwards.