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Why is my dog still scooting and swollen after anal gland expression?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 3 years and 6 months old | 49 lbs

Yesterday (6/11/18) I took Emma to have anal glands expressed around 4:30 pm. Vet tech said her glands were pretty full. I just caught Emma scooting on the area rug. Does this mean her anal glands still need more expressing? Is this why her anus looks to be kind of swollen?

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Summer Walker, DVM, MS

Veterinarian

Published on June 12th, 2018

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Continued scooting following anal sac expression may not be related to the need to be expressed further. Occasionally the anal sac may still be inflamed/irritated following the expression which may still result in some discomfort and the urge to itch. Scooting of the hind end can also be due to a superficial itch that may be related to an underlying environmental or parasite (i.e flea) allergy. It is difficult to tell from the picture without being able to palpate the rectum, but I do not see any evidence of overt swelling in the region (the anal sacs sit at 5 o'clock and 7 o'clock position at the anus). If Emma continues to appear irritated you can have her evaluated by her veterinarian to palpate the anal sacs and make sure everything palpates normally.

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    Answered By Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 7th, 2017

    Tammy may still be irritated in her little anal gland area from the expression, or from having them too full before, or from infection. Try soaking her rear in warm epsom salt bath water like in a little tub or sink several times a day, if she'll let you, as this is very soothing for most dogs. She may need additional pain medication from your veterinarian.

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 21st, 2017

    Poor girl. I am not sure if they expressed her anal glands or not; however, the anal glands could be bothering her. I do see some pink inflammatory area just below her rectum, so a little bit of razor burn could also be causing this. Try applying a cold compress on the area for 5-10 minutes, followed by soaking her in a warm water Epsom salt bath tonight to reduce some of the irritation and inflammation and see how she is by morning. If she is still irritated then try to get her in to the vet on tomorrow for a proper exam and a check of her anal glands. If she needs to have her anal glands expressed, they can do so at the vet. If she still has irritation, then they can prescribe some pet friendly medication to help with the inflammation. I hope that your yorkie girl is able to make a full and speedy recovery. Take care.

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