I posted some time back because our Ava was having trouble with one of her anal glands getting infected. 
She's had quite a few courses of antibiotics to put it right since then.  The vet said last night that if this course doesn't stop it returning, she may need to have her anal glands removed.....but I'm really worried because he said there is a chance that if they damage a nerve during the procedure, it may leave her incontinent.  Can anybody tell me how high the risk of this happening is, is it a simple operation, or is there something else that might correct the problem for her?

Gosh, this sounds serious - I can't help but I would definitely get more than one professional opinion on this.  Good luck.

I don't know how high the risk of incontinence is but this is what the operation involves (some photos on it!) ...

http://www.thepetcenter.com/sur/as.html

Do you feed her any raw bones? It's a great way to firm up their poos which helps to empty the anal glands naturally each time they go.

Kath.

No I haven't been feeding raw bones to my dogs at all, I'll have to pop to the butchers shop tomorrow (plenty of bits of wood in our Avas poo though.....anyone would think she was half starved, try as I might she wont give up on eating sticks!)

Thanks for the link to the website Kath, it's very interesting.

I would really prefer to put things right without the need for surgery ;)

My poor dog suffered with repeated infections and recurrences with her anal glands. I also read up on the possible side effects surgery before making a decision, but had complete confidence in our Vet. The operation was a success, and the change in her manner and behaviour confirmed that it was worthwhile.  I did not appreciate how much the condition was affecting her until the very apparent difference post-surgery.

Both my cavalier King Charles spaniels had to have thiers removed and they were fine afterwards.   They do have a man come once a month to do that op though as yes it can be tricky, but  I would highly reccomend it.

Bev