scott@vtx-cpd.com

Hello Raquel,

Thank you for your message and for sharing your experiences with recent anal gland cases, it is great to hear how the webinar helped guide your discussions and approach. Below is some further information regarding Anal Sac Disease (ASD), along with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) advice on anal gland expression.

RCVS Advice: “External expression of the para-anal sacs (also known as anal glands) is a procedure that may be undertaken by competent owners or lay people (i.e., those who have had the procedure demonstrated and explained to them by a veterinary surgeon). Routine, prophylactic expression of anal glands should only be undertaken on the advice of a veterinary surgeon. If a para-anal sac problem is suspected, the animal should be seen by a veterinary surgeon for confirmation of the diagnosis and advice regarding any necessary treatment. Internal expression of the para-anal sacs per rectum amounts to the practise of veterinary surgery. This means that it may only be undertaken by veterinary surgeons or student or registered veterinary nurses working under the direction of their veterinary surgeon employer.”

Diseases of the Anal Sacs (ASD): Nonneoplastic anal sac disease (ASD) encompasses impaction, sacculitis, and abscessation. An English study cited anal sac impaction as the third most common reason that dogs were presented to primary care facilities. Overrepresented breeds include Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, Chihuahuas, and Miniature Poodles. Cats are less frequently affected. Pathogenesis often remains unknown, but altered composition of anal sac secretions may play a role. Predisposing factors include smaller duct openings, chronic diarrhoea, seborrhoea, obesity, and poor muscle tone. Clinically, dogs with ASD commonly present with scooting, licking, or chewing at the anal region. Conditions that mimic ASD, such as anal sac neoplasia, flea allergy dermatitis, and fungal disease, must be ruled out. Cytology alone may be nondiagnostic because healthy dogs can have variable WBCs and bacteria in their anal sacs. Treatment depends on severity. Impactions may resolve with flushing, warm compresses, local antibiotic instillation, and topical corticosteroids, while abscessation may require surgical removal (anal sacculectomy). Prognosis hinges on identifying and controlling underlying causes; complications of surgery can include faecal incontinence, tenesmus, and anal stricture.

Although I have never personally used Glandex, the product and similar supplements often contain fibre, probiotics, and soothing ingredients that may support healthy anal gland function by promoting optimal stool consistency.

Thank you again for your thoughtful insights and for engaging with the webinar content. If you have any further questions or would like to discuss specific cases, feel free to reach out. I would be interested to hear others thoughts on Glandex.

Kind regards,

Scott 🙂

Replying to Rosanna Vaughan 11/02/2025 - 12:36

This is also helpful:

https://www.vetvoices.co.uk/post/anti-nerve-growth-factor-and-monoclonal-antibody-therapy-in-cats-and-dogs?fbclid=IwY2xjawIl8FhleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHca4A1-UAjIJlDVO4DBa-YujrnMXtC8SYR4k3dP-7kfyTsNAYvgl–9kFQ_aem_tW0CEObfZGgqxN1DJZbFmA

Scott 🙂

Great question!

Nutrition is such a crucial part of managing diabetes in cats and dogs, yet I do think it sometimes doesn’t get as much emphasis as other aspects like insulin therapy, diagnosis, and comorbidities. In my experience, how much focus is placed on diet often depends on the individual vet’s approach and the time available during consultations.

I’ll admit I can sometimes be guilty of prioritizing insulin and medical management over detailed nutritional discussions. A question that often comes up for me is around the timing of insulin administration in relation to feeding. Many people free-feed or ad-lib feed cats but stick to twice-daily meals for dogs alongside insulin. There’s always the debate on whether to feed before or after insulin, while often giving both at the same time is convenient (especially since food distracts the pet from the injection).

Interesting topic!

Scott 🙂

Hello again!

Thank you so much again for the brilliant questions. I am so glad you are enjoying the sessions.

Felipe is a brilliant speaker!

Scott 🙂

Replying to Georgia 19/02/2025 - 23:52

Thank you!

Scott 🙂

Thank you again for these brilliant videos!

Scott 🙂

Hey Georgia!

I was aware of growth charts but hadn’t fully appreciated how useful they could be in practice, particularly when it comes to helping guide conversations with owners.

A case that really stands out to me is one I saw with a puppy named Citrine. Her owners were incredibly worried about her growth because she wasn’t eating in a typical way. They were focused on her food intake, sometimes struggling to get her to eat consistently, and they were concerned that she wasn’t growing as she should be. But in reality, her weight was tracking well, and she was developing normally. Navigating those conversations was tricky because their concerns were very real to them, and it’s always difficult to balance reassurance with ensuring we’re not missing anything medically significant.

I think if we had been using growth charts more proactively, it would have helped a lot. Being able to show them clear data on her weight trajectory compared to expected norms might have provided reassurance much earlier. It’s one thing to say, “She’s growing well,” but having a visual representation to back that up could have made a big difference in easing their worries.

What do you advise when puppies don’t eat in a patters deemed ‘normal’ by their owners?

Cheers,

Scott 🙂