Understanding and Managing Swollen Dog Cheek Glands
Noticing sudden swelling in your dog's cheek area can be quite alarming for pet parents. In many cases, the cause is an issue with the anal glands, which are small sacs located on either side of the anus containing liquid secretions that aid in bowel movements.
What Causes Dog Cheek Gland Swelling?
There are a few potential culprits behind swollen cheek glands in dogs:
- Infection
- Blockage
- Injury
- Cancer
Infection and blockage make up about 90% of swollen anal gland cases according to vets. Let's explore their causes and symptoms.
Infected Anal Glands
Bacteria can enter the anal sacs through the ducts, causing an infection. This leads to inflammation, pus buildup, and swelling under the skin near the anus and cheek/tail regions.
Signs of an infected anal gland include:
- Swelling and redness near the anus/tail
- Excessive licking or scooting of rear on the floor
- Pain or strain while defecating
- Bad odor from the rear
These symptoms warrant an urgent vet visit for diagnosis and treatment.
Blocked Anal Glands
If the small ducts leading outward from the anal glands become clogged with debris, secretions can build up inside the glands. This causes pronounced swelling and discomfort in the cheek/tail area.
Symptoms of a blocked anal gland include:
- Visible swelling to one or both sides of the anus
- Excessive licking, biting or scooting of rear on floors
- Straining to defecate without producing much stool
Prompt veterinary assistance is recommended in such scenarios to unblock the anal glands and reduce swelling.
Getting a Vet Diagnosis and Care Plan
While cheek/hind swelling in dogs will often involve the anal glands, getting prompt veterinary attention is key to determining the exact cause and appropriate treatment plan. Heres what to expect during the vet visit:
Physical Exam & Medical History Details
The vet will first conduct a comprehensive physical examination of your dog while asking you questions about their symptoms timeframe, changes in behavior or habits, medical history etc.
Rectal Exam
They will put on a glove to gently insert a lubricated finger into your dogs rectum to palpate the anal glands. Checking for blockage, infection, pain level and discharge nature can help narrow down the diagnosis.
Diagnostic Tests
If the cause remains ambiguous from the physical examination, the vet may recommend further tests like:
- Bloodwork to check for underlying issues like diabetes or kidney disease
- Cell cytology examining anal gland fluid under the microscope
- Biopsy of rectal tissue samples
- CT scan or ultrasound scan if cancer is suspected
This helps differentiate between various possible diagnoses.
First Aid and At-Home Care for Swollen Anal Glands
While waiting to visit the vet or in mild cases of anal gland problems, pet parents can employ certain first aid strategies at home including:
Cold Compresses
Wrap some ice or a cold pack in a towel and apply to swollen areas for 10 minute intervals to reduce inflammation.
Clean with Warm Water
Gently wipe and clean contaminated areas around the rear with warm water and a soft cloth to prevent infections.
Add Fiber to Diet
Increasing fiber in your dogs meals with pumpkin, bran or stool hardeners makes defecating easier by losing more gland fluid with each bowel movement.
Massage Area Gently
Very lightly massage the area around the swollen glands with your fingertips using small circular motions. This may provide some relief from discomfort.
These conservative steps help soothe symptoms temporarily until the vet appointment.
Use Elizabethan Collar if Needed
Place an e-collar cone on dogs excessively licking or biting at their swollen glands to prevent self-injury before wounds become infected.
Medical Treatments Recommended By Vets
Most veterinarians use a combination treatment approach for managing swollen dog anal glands including:
Prescribed Oral/Topical Antibiotics
Antibiotics fight infection both internally and externally by disinfecting anal gland areas while controlling pain and inflammation.
Manual Gland Expression
Vets gently apply pressure externally around the glands to squeeze out backed-up fluid and debris inside. This brings rapid relief while flushing out bacteria.
Further Testing
If an underlying condition contributes to anal gland problems, specialized tests diagnose issues like allergies, gastrointestinal disease, diabetes or tumors to inform treatment.
Surgery
For recurring gland infections/swelling not controlled by antibiotics or manual expression, the vet may surgically drain the glands or fully remove them.
Follow your vets tailored treatment plan closely to successfully resolve your dogs swollen anal glands and cheek discomfort.
Preventing Anal Gland Issues in Dogs
Pet owners can implement certain helpful measures to lower future chances of aggravated anal glands including:
Regular Vet Checks
Establish annual or biannual vet visits to monitor anal gland health even when no symptoms show. This allows timely treatment of minor problems before major swelling occurs.
Maintain Healthy Digestion
Keep your dogs digestion regular with sufficient exercise, hydration and a fiber-rich diet. Healthy pooping habits prevent anal gland impaction.
Check Diet
Avoid feeding processed or low quality dog foods which are harder to digest. Check for possible food intolerance/allergies worsening symptoms.
Practice Proper Hygiene
Always wipe down the area after walks and bathe your dog monthly. Keep rear fur trimmed for cleanliness.
Being vigilant better safeguards your dog against problematic anal glands down the road.
The Outlook for Dogs with Swollen Anal Glands
With proper veterinary treatment, most cases of inflamed anal glands and dog cheek swelling will resolve without complications within 1-2 weeks. However neglecting signs of anal gland issues can have regretful consequences like painful abscesses or recurring infections.
Stay alert to symptoms and seek prompt veterinary assistance if you spot any rear swelling or discomfort in your pet. Be vigilant with aftercare and prevention strategies outlined by your vet for your dogs optimal comfort and wellbeing.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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