Anal gland

Question
Hello, I have a 11 month old male neutered dog who recently got a mild infection in his anal glands, or thats what the vet said. The vet expressed them and the stuff that came out was a yellow liquid, not thick or gritty, but just yellow and the consistency of olive oil. If a dog has anal gland infection does the liquid turn yellow? I went to a vet other than my regular and it seemed like the vet was just trying to make me spend money. I am going to my regular vet tomorrow for a second opinion but thought I would ask here. What are the symptoms of anal gland infection (the only symptom my dog had was yellow liquid and he licked the area and they did not express on thier own but nothing else, no swelling or anything)? Also, what is the treatment if the glands are infected but easy to express? The fill in vet recommended infusion with an antibiotic which would cost $120! I had a dog a few years back who had an impacted anal gland and all he needed was oral antiobiotics, wouldnt oral meds work to clear the infection rather than the infusion procedure? Thanks.

Answer
Rachel -

I am curious about why you would think that the fill-in vet would only want you to spend money.  Most vets are in this profession to provide help to your pet - not just to make you spend money.  However, you must pay for the services you receive and I find it curious that you think  that the doctor wants to rob you of your money when he/she is just giving you the best advice for your pet.

The infusion treatment is usually the best treatment for anal sac infections; often oral antibiotics are not able to attain the necessary concentrations in the anal sacs in order to help clear the infection.
 

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM