Hello, need advise again.......I have a 9 month old bullmastiff who is still having anal gland issues .......his motions are good (with sometimes the odd loose one when he has had a busy or exciting day ) he has had the problem now since about 5 months and the vet tells me they are in a slightly odd place which may be adding to the problem......it's getting to the stage of asking if it's best to have them surgically removed.......with this in mind I would love your opinions regards this and also would like to ask about castration .....we don't intend to breed from him and I wondered if it's firstly safe to do it at 9 months as I have read if it's to early it can effect bone growth ....because I wondered about getting the two things done together so that he only has to have one anaesthetic.......look forward to reading your replies.....

Hi Kimbo,

I would be reluctant to ask to have anal glands removed at this stage - your dog is still very young. Obviously the best advice is needed from a professional who will be better able to decide whether this is how to proceed.
I've never had a dog with this issue but know of others who have had them removed in older dogs and had ongoing problems.

Re castration, I don't personally approve of routinely castrating males of any age - for me there should be a sound medical reason or behavioural one before this is done.  In any event a dog IMO should be fully mature both physically and mentally for its breed before removing the benefits of much needed hormones that are required for development whether in males or females.

I hope the anal gland issue can be resolved without need for surgery,
good luck, Teri