I've got a 16 m/o GSD. She has always had anal gland problems and in the end it got so bad that the vets recommended to take them out. The problem is that 6 months down the line, she is still "scooting" along the floor. Does anyone have any ideas of what this could be? I went down the vets a few times,(unfortunately you never see the same vet twice!!!) but to be honest they say it anal glands, but then when I tell them that they have been removed they looked puzzled. Could it be worms? Diet related? anyone...anything?????
Josh_

Some dogs just enjoy scratching their behinds and lets face it, that is about the only way they can manage it!

John

thanks everyone, I should add that she cries/whines and growls whilst she is scooting and bitting the base of her tail.

sorry josh - i think we got a bit carried away :( . i've just had a look in my dog book - and it only says anal glands or worms. in fact, it says that licking and dragging are common signs of worm infestation. not nice i know but have you checked any faeces for signs of worms - tapeworm sounds a possibility. hope it gets sorted soon.

OH NO PLEASE DONT BE SORRY. Its nice to see such good banter !! actually its quite funny :) I'd rather that then people bitching at each other.
I havent seen any worms but I'll keep an eye out. Maybe its time for her to be wormed again but everyone has different opinions as to when to worm. How often do you lot worm you dogs?

i worm mine every 4-5 months-ish

Because I work I like to worm shortly after the season finishes (1st Feb) to clear out anything picked up when working. I also like to worm a second time around August time to clear anything picked up on estates during the working test season and before we start picking up again.

Regards, John

How are his stools? If he is loose sometimes the acidic moisture can irritate the anal area, my 18month old had anal gland drainage problems due to loose stools, I now feed him 6 raw chicken wings every day and his stools are firm and draining the galnds well. I appreciate your dog has had them removed, but it could be a possible cause if he's got loose movements. I appreciate many people do not like the idea of feeding raw meat to dogs especially with bones, but they have worked very very well for my lad. Good luck

It doesn't sound right to me Josh.
I'm inclined to think that it has something to do with the operation - maybe a nerve has been damaged or left exposed causing this discomfort. It's very delicate surgery.
Hope she's ok!
Lara x

Knowing what hairy butts GSD's tend to have, have you (or vet) checked really closely (small torch comes in handy) for tiny pin prick holes, though they could be bigger and more obvious (furunculosis). This can still be a problem for Sheps despite having the glands removed! I hope it's not, but it is just a thought.

Thank you ALL for your help. I want to take her to the vets, but the symptoms come and go, so when I make an appointment, sods law.... she ok!!

I have the exact same problem with my dog. It isnt bad, but she tends to do it on a night

Hello and sorry this may come a bit late in the day but I have only just read your post. I too had a dog that had sever anal gland problems and my vet was talking about removing them, but eventually found something that did work. They did explain to me that the removal of anal glands is not that simple and is in fact a very tricky operation. If they should leave a microscopic piece of the gland behind then it is possible for the origional problem to start again. It took my vet 7 long months to eventually cure my dog of it's anal gland problems and thankfully it has not returned (touch wood !). I do hope that your dogs problem has been solved as their is nothing worse than an itchy bum !!

Margaret