Hi Dave, I have little experience with anal sac problems; I did notice occasional "scooting" before I switched to barf, but virtually none since. My (limited) understanding is that anal sacs are normally expressed when the dog has a bowel movement, so that a diet which contributes to formation of firmer stools is helpful. I also recall reading that if anal sacs are routinely expressed *manually* (by owner, vet or groomer), this can create a situation in which the anal sacs don't empty normally on their own and need manual help on a regular basis (I don't know exactly why this would be, but maybe someone else could explain if they think it would be helpful). Did the anal sac problems predate or follow the change in dog food? Have you noticed an increase in frequency or volume of stools? If so, it's possible that the food contains a lot more "waste" than these dogs need. I think that a diet which the dog's body uses most efficiently will see smaller stools (because the body "used" more of the food content) and that these will be produced less frequently (probably not more than twice a day, depending on how often the dog is fed). Less-frequent production would probably also result in firmer stools. I'd be a little surprised if exercise had a *direct* effect (except insofar as it improves overall health), since I have the impression (and could be wrong) that exercise is more likely to affect the "end"-result of the digestive process (elimination, which is related to but I think not synonymous with anal sac-expressing). I'm sure others on this list can share much more in the way of experience/suggestions. Good luck. Alida Dave Wagner wrote: <<<Hi all I'm looking for trends and experiences.
Until this past year we never had any issues with Anal Sacs. Now in the course of about 7 months we have had problems with two of our dogs in regards to anal sacs. So here are my questions..... 1) Does diet have an impact on anal sac blockage? Although we feel we have always fed a high quality food, we recently switched from "Back to Basics" to "Best in Show" in an attempt to downgrade the fat in our dogs diet and upgrade the nutritional content. Could this be a factor? Has anyone had any particular experience in relation to anal sacs and particular food? Is there a suppliment that can be given to help alleviate conditions with anal sac blockage? 2) Has anyone correlated amount of excercise or lack there of with anal sac blockage? 3) Anything else that anyone has found that may contribute to or help avoid issues with anal sacs? All information appreciated >>> ========================================================= "Magic Commands": to stop receiving mail for awhile, click here and send the email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20NOMAIL to start it up gain click here: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20MAIL E-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] for assistance. Search the Archives... http://apple.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ckcs-l.html All e-mail sent through CKCS-L is Copyright 2002 by its original author.
