Dog Health advice needed

[bright.ton42]

My 7-yr old Chi developed a severe **bleep** gland infection about 5 weeks ago, in that time we've been back to the vet 4 times...  first for antiobiotics. didn't work,    then  a cortisone shot,   didn't work....  then more antibiotics didn't work.     and yesterday an **bleep** infusion (I think it's called) where she was sedated then the glands cleaned out and now on stronger antibiotics.

The vet told me the level of infection is unusual  and to be honest he seems a bit nonplussed.

I asked about the glands being removed but he said it is very delicate and could affect her fecal movements.

I know of several ppl who have had them removed as opoosed to possible monthly emptying and they've said it was the best thing.

Anyway right now I'm waiting to see how she goes, but wondering what to do next if she's not healed. 

Just wondering if anyone here has direct experience of this and what was done?  

btw she is slim,  very much exercised,   eats a balanced diet  with soft bone.

[bright.ton42]

Oh great ....the "bleep"  is    for    a    n     a    l.

[davidc4430]

how old is your vet?

i sometimes get very young vets who have not a lot of 'life experience'

is there another vet you could get a second opinion from, a different practice.

[enigmabear]

Could they possibly be impacted?

[bright.ton42]

Hi,  my vet is about 45 very experienced........   yes they were full and he expressed them each time and an abscess had formed which is now being treated.   But the infection hasn't cleared up so far.

I really want them removed but need to find a vet in Melbourne who is confident with this as so many don't seem to be.  After the a n a l  infusion yesterday (which is to sedate them then wash the glands out and pack with antibiotic) she's back on strong antibiotics again but as I said the outlook is vague.  He said there's no evidence of tumour or suchlike. 

[davidc4430]

ive never had a dog with gland trouble, seems to be a smaller dog problem most of the time. my sis in law has several small dogs and has theirs emptied quite often.

i would imagine if you had all that done yesterday you will need to wait a few days for the new antibiotics to do their work.

it was prolly quite traumatic for the dog. fingers crossed your vet has fixed the problem.keep a close watch on him/her and call the vet with any questions.

unlike humans dogs cant tell you whats going on. the glands might not be the only thing going on.

[bright.ton42]

Yes I believe it is a smaller dog problem david and you're right I need to wait another week to see how she responds.  But if no good i will try and find another vet for another opinion.   I really like my vet and I will tell him what I'm going to do and try to be tactful but he seems to have run out of ideas. My sad  little girl comes first. 

[lyndal1838]

I don't know where you are but here in Sydney there are a couple of veterinary referral hospitals.   They are pretty expensive but are really excellent.

Also, Sydney University has a clinic attached to their Vet School.....we took our Corgi there many years ago and again received excellent care.

[mloreason]

I had a maltese terrior many years ago who had the same infection. The vet cleaned the glands out and gave antibiotics on our first visit. He was over the infection within a week or so. Maybe now that the vet has cleaned the glands your dog's infection will heal. 

[bright.ton42]

Hi, Lyndal I'm in Melbourne but there are a couple of good vet hospitals near me.  

Thanks mlo,  I just need to be patient, she has another week of antibiotics to take but already seems more lively after the cleaning out.