QUESTION

My Bichon Frise is becoming regularly constipated and I am rather> worried as his anal glands are cleared every 4 weeks when he goes to the groomer, he sometimes shivers and I wondered if this was caused by the constipation and wondered what I can do about this and is it a common occurance in the breed? He is fed half a can of Winalot Dog Food once a day and then has his treats as well which are normally of a healthy nature for his teeth and gums.

Jane

ANSWER

Dear Jane,
Anal glands becoming full should not be a cause of constipation but should be showing signs associated with scrubbing the bottom on the ground, licking excessively and a smelly discharge. I would be more concerned about the possibility of a slight stricture which in itself can be associated with internal emptying of anal glands and creating damage to the rectal tissue. Diet could also be a key factor in the problems and you may need to experiment between a very low fibre diet or a very high fibre diet. I would stop the routine emptying of the anal glands for the empting sake unless they are getting infected in which case you should be seeing the vet not the groomer to get them resolved. Emptying the anal glands when they are normal damages the duct and prevents them emptying normally and is thus a repeating cycle. If he is constipated with hard faeces then I would change diet first onto a premium quality food and see if the problem resolves. Problems with herniation of the inguinal or perineal region are also common in the breed but I have never seen one so young so would think it unlikely. Prostate problems can occur by this age and will lead to some faecal passages being flattened in appearance.

Regards Julian Norton