Scooting and licking tail
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The more often you (or the Vet) clears the anal glands, the more often they need doing. I would try to avoid doing it more often than absolutely necessary and try her on a high fibre diet. I agree with elbrant that she is probably doing something which is familiar to help her cope with new surrounding and environment.
If by 'cone' you mean 'elizabethan collar' - mostly dogs hate these even if they are soft and as she is in a new place I would be unhappy about restricting her in this way.
I take it you have very little idea of her circumstances prior to her coming to live with you (and well done for taking her in - may be enjoy many years together !) Try and prevent the area from becoming sore but keep an eye on her and see if there is anything special which triggers her apparent need to do this.
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I agree with Zande, also one of my dogs had problems years ago with allergy’s and had his glands expressed a few times with no improvement. If Benadryl helps I would consider it is possibly an allergy. Also contact the rescue where you found the dog as they may have more info or advice on the problem.
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@elbrant I hadn’t thought about it like that, as a habit, or psychological, but that is a possibility. Perhaps if I can continue to comfort her, gain trust, she gets used to her new home, while trying to keep her from her tail, it will improve with time! Same diet.
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@zande I rec’d her med records going back a few years and don’t see that she had her glands expressed before. So, yes, totally agree not to do it unless necessary. Yes, I meant E collar. I have just always called it a cone. Perhaps I made that name up. Vet suggested it because she is irritating the area and I think the plastic ones look more uncomfortable. We were trying to keep that area from becoming more red and irritated. It could easily be from the change in her surroundings and new life!
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@ginnyc I thought at the time it might be boredom with my B as he sometimes does lick himself during the winter when excercise is restricted. We had him on Benadryl and that stopped it, then switched diet. He hasn’t had any problems since. If the Benadryl works it should help if it is a behavior too.
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I just spoke with the rescue/fosters. She didn’t scoot or lick until 4/27, the day before the expression and the glands were full. I wonder if it is possible that the expression wasn’t done properly or carefully. My vet said she was “scabby” inside when he examined her one week after the expression. Or...does she have another issue and full anal glands was a coincidence? Also, they did take her camping right before I adopted her. She chose to lie on the ground even though she had a bed. Perhaps she picked up something from the trip?
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replied to GinnyC on last edited by
@ginnyc said in Scooting and licking tail:
@falcon No, not yet.
The rescue didn't run parasite test? Okay well, that's critically needed.
Debra
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replied to DebraDownSouth on last edited by
@debradownsouth Clarification - Rescue ran fecal test 2/14/2018: NO OVA OR PARASITES SEEN. No new fecal test since this issue appeared is what I meant.
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Unfortunately, a fecal test in Feb could have been too early to catch it... so hopefully the vet will run another test to be sure.
Debra
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replied to DebraDownSouth on last edited by
@debradownsouth Agreed. We’re trying Vaseline, Benadryl and trying to keep her from licking first and crossing fingers it heals. Fecal test next if no progress. She did seem to not lick as much yesterday with Benadryl so trying that again today. I’m keeping a close eye on her!
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Cone or E-collar - there is a much better, cheaper alternative I have found can be made to fit ANY eventuality and stop a Basenji licking.
Tights. OK, panty-hose. You can use just the leg, or the top bit by the thigh, or the body bit, you can use the legs to tie the 'dressing' on or around - ANY part of the (now discarded by you) garment can be pressed into service. No kidding, you would not believe the wounds, scratches, surgery scars that I have contrived a protection with panty-hose. Light, expendable and the dog doesn't realise it is wearing something.
And I carry Pyriton (sp) with me for use of the doggies. Possibly same effect as Benadryl ??? Also if there is inflammation - junior aspirin can help. even half of one.
Get the vet to check her for parasites and get her wormed, pronto.
Good luck !
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@zande So, on the panty hose, would I stuff a leg with something soft and gently tie it around her neck, like a doughnut? I tried a thick, fluffy scarf yesterday but it didn’t stay on long. So, see, I WAS looking for alternatives. I want her as comfortable as possible!
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Stuffing something soft into it might well do the trick. Using the whole leg and foot, you could locate the stuffing in place inside the stocking by tying a knot each side of it and then using as much of the leg as you need to fix it in place around her. I was thinking more about protecting the area she is attending to. But try anything - poor wee girl !
