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Could Anal Gland Expression Raise Liver Enzymes?

by Tina
(Ohio)

Reader Question
I took my 8 yr old dog to the groomers January 3,2011. And when I picked him up she told she emptied his anal sac and not to say anything to the vet. On Febuary 10,2011 I took my dog in for a dental cleaning,well liver enzymes were elevated over 1,000. Could the groomer have causded this do to some kind of infection.My dog is now taking medication for three weeks. Then goes back for another blood profile to see if down. My dog is acting normal eating,doing outside buisness,playing.


Answer from Our Team

It's very unlikely. Expressing anal glands is a routine, external procedure, and it wouldn't be expected to cause a liver problem weeks later, unless an infection developed and spread, which would usually cause obvious illness and a sore rear end first.

Liver enzymes can rise for many reasons, including liver inflammation or infection, hormone diseases such as Cushing's, some medications, and liver changes common in middle-aged and older dogs. It's good that he's acting normally. The recheck blood test will show whether treatment is working; if the values stay high, your vet may suggest an ultrasound or further tests to find the cause.

See dog anal glands.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.

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