I sure hope that some one can give us some advice on this problem that we are having with our rottweiller. We have now had him to the vets a few times and the problem is not solved. "Bo" is a 4 year old neutered male and he has within the past few months begun to "itch" his back end terribly. Had his "glands" cleaned by the vet, prednasone sp??) medication twice now and he is starting again to itch. Even made a homemade remedy with goldenseal and garlic powder that did help another dog we had at one time. No fleas or bugs of any sort. Gets his usual dog food that he has had for years now. We did have another rottie that passed away a few years back and I seem to remember he did this once in a while also. I wonder if this is a problem with this bred of dog. He is a wonderful dog and we got him 3 years ago from the rottweiller rescue league because he had been abandoned by a previous owner. Any one have any advice ??? Help !!!

-- Helena (windyacs@npacc.net), November 14, 2001

Answers

It may be a food allergy even though he has been on the same food. Does the food you buy have wheat, corn or soy? Those are the biggest culprits. You may try to find a diet made for dogs with allergies and see if this helps, Solid Gold dog food is excellent and there are others out there. Read the ingredients, lamb & rice diets even contain some wheat depending on the company making it. I would try a different food first versus spending a bunch of money at the vets. You may also want to check out feeding a BARF diet.

-- Leslie in Western WA (sundaycreek@gnrac.net), November 14, 2001.

My 1st thought was allergy too, also you can try washing the rectal opening with wet rag or a baby wipe on a fold of toilet paper, many large dogs can't quite reach to clean themselves.

-- Thumper (slrldr@yahoo.com), November 14, 2001.

Dogs will do that if they're being irritated by worms as well.

-- Don Armstrong (darmst@yahoo.com.au), November 14, 2001.

Some individual dogs are prone to anal glands that require routine expression if one is to avoid anal sacculitis and eventual infection. If the dog does not have pinworms, learn how to express the anal sacs yourself (wearing a rubber exam glove of course) and do it routinely once a month or so. Most dogs will learn to tolerate the mild discomfort of the action quite well. If your vet refuses to teach you, find a local groomer or breeder that will. Use vaseline for a lubricant.

-- Sandra Nelson (Magin@starband.net), November 14, 2001.

Many dogs, and other critters and people too, have allergies to corn contained in dog food, especially dry dog food. My aunt had terrible itching problems with her dog until she switched to a dog food without corn.

THe problem with the corn is the fungus that grows on it in the harvesting and storage process, you can't see it, but it is there.

The best selection and prices on all kinds of corn and other allergen free dog food is from www.petfooddirect.com , I have searched all over and couldn't get a better price anywhere, even from my vet!

-- Annie Miller in SE OH (annie@1st.net), November 15, 2001.

I had a few dogs over my life that had problems with anal glands. When one got so bad he stayed raw from scooting I had the vet remove them. Now the last two dogs I have gotten when they were pups went straight in and were fixed, microchiped, and anal glands removed. Try to get everything done at once because it is so hard on them knocking them out (tho I have the vet use gas)Anyway it is alot cheeper having everything done at once that to take them in later when it is a problem.

-- Teresa (c3ranch@socket.net), November 15, 2001.

Sounds exactly like what we were dealing with on our Cattledog/Border Collie mix and for her it was definitely a food allergy. We tried all kinds of dog foods trying to find one that kept her from being itchy (we're still not exactly sure what she is allergic to) and although we did finally find one that she is more comfortable with its still not a perfect remedy so we're seriously considering changing all our dogs over to a raw diet. I've heard that prednasone can cause liver? kidney? problems if used for a prolonged period so although it may get rid of the allergy symptoms you'll want to avoid it as a long term solution. Allergies can also cause anal gland problems too so certainly look in to other diet options if you can (most allergies that dogs tend to have are food related).

-- Lisa (lambrose@summitpolymers.com), November 15, 2001.

HELENA....FIRSTLY ,THE VET SHOULD HAVE TAKEN A SCRAPING FROM THE AREA TO DETERMINE IF THERE WERE ANY PAROSITES PRESENT.NOW SOME BREEDS[ALL BULL TERRIORS IN MY AREA]ARE ALLERGIC TO FLEA BITES.THE DOG MIGHT BE GETTING BIT AND SCRATCHING AT THEM.ARE THERE LITTLE RIDGES LIKE SCABS IN THAT AREA.HAVE YOU CHANGED THE DOGS BEDDING LATELY,WASHED THEM IN A NEW DETERGENT.ARE THE KIDS FEEDING THE DOG ANYTHING SPICY.

CORDWOODGUY

-- CORDWOODGUY (cordwoodguy@n2teaching.com), November 16, 2001.

Helena, You are sure I take it, that there is no infection in the glands and have you followed up with the Vet? some good advice already posted so hope you solve this. Usually if it is an infection in the glands themselves flushing out every few days is required and application of an antibiotic is gently administered right inside the glands. This takes fortitude and a special little nozzle by someone who knows anatomy, and it takes some time to clear up. LQ

-- Little Quacker (carouselxing@juno.com), November 16, 2001.