How many surgeries of this type have you performed?
In 25 years of practicing, I've done hundreds of anal gland removal surgeries. None have resulted in incontinence. Note: We confirmed this response when we talked to one of the vet techs in the office. She had checked into the vet's anal gland surgeries when her dog was scheduled for anal gland removal. She called owners whose dogs had undergone the surgery. None of these dogs were incontinent post surgery.
What can happen during surgery to leave a dog incontinent post-surgery?
Cutting a nerve or muscle can cause incontinence post surgery.
Where is the surgical site?
The glands are located on the sides of the anus at about 4 and 8 o'clock. They will be removed and the skin stitched.
How long is the hospital stay?
You can check in the dog at the hospital beginning at 7:00 A.M. on the day of surgery. You can pick him up after 10:00 A.M. the day after surgery.
Does a dog require a special diet after surgery?
The dog will usually eat his normal diet.
How long is the recovery period?
The recovery period is 10-14 days. The dog will wear an e-collar until the stitches are removed at the end of the recovery period. The e-collar prevents the dog from disturbing the surgical site by licking or biting the stitched areas.
What are the restrictions during recovery?
No running or jumping is permitted.
Leash walking only is allowed.
Lots of TLC should be given. We went shopping for a soft e-collar. Experience (Simon's knee surgery, Alvin and Simon's neuter surgery) has taught us that the hospital will provide an e-collar, but it's plastic and bangs into walls, door molding, and human legs.
Here's the soft ecollar we got him at Amazon:
