I have a basset hound and he has some sort of gland near his backside that fills up constantly with a yellow liquid that makes him smell horrible. I just want to know if there is a surgery for this. I know my dog has a real problem because I have been to the vet and he has told me this.

I would also like to know if there is a surgery for it, should I do it. I don't know if this surgery will make him unhealthy or if he needs this gland. If anyone knows about this problem, PLEASE HELP ME!!!

[Yogi]

sounds like you are referring to the anal gland. This is a problem in many dogs as well as breeds. Yes they can in fact be surgically removed. Consult your vet to see if this is what he/she recommends.

Yes, it does sound like you're referring to anal glands. He has two of them, one on either side of the anus.

No, he doesn't need them. Dogs can have them surgically removed and usually are much happier for it.

If you want to try a non-surgical solution first, you can increase the amount of fiber in his diet. Plain canned pumpkin or cooked sweet potato are good for this. Normally the anal glands empty when the dog has a bowel movement. Increasing the amount of fiber in the diet can make his stools firmer, putting more pressure on the glands when he defecates, and this helps them empty naturally.

Another option would be to have your vet teach you how to express them manually. This isn't for everyone. It does involve getting up close and personal with your dogs rear, it smells bad, and some dogs object quite forcefully.

If that doesn't work, discuss surgery with your vet.

I also had a dog with anal gland problems and my vet said that I could either have them removed or get my dog nueterd. I wanted to get him fixed anyway so I went with that a few years ago and have not had any problems since. And that was cheaper then having the anal glands removed.

[lil mutt]

I havent experienced something like this and I think you better ask a vet's help in this matter.