Smell

[MajorFamily]

My dog is almost 2 years old, she just got out of her 3 round of heat about a week and a half ago. Every so often she is letting out a really foul smell from her girl parts. It smells like a hot rotten fish smell! It is not constant but does has more than once. She still has an appetite and is not lethargic, but is drinking more water than usual. Can anyone please help me?

[1ringmaker]

Just a tid bit of info:
If you increase the dogs fiber intake then they are more apt to express on thier own while they do thier potty business.  Some people suggest mixing canned pumpkin to thier food occationally. Others will only use dry dog food as it comes out more grainy. The pressure naturally expresses the glands.

[Margot49]

Meant to add that the anal glands should be expressed regularly, probably at least once a month.  You can have a groomer do it pretty cheaply or have them show you how.

They can get so impacted they can abscess.  

[Margot49]

Yes, thanks fir the update.  Nasty things!!

[Misfits4Me]

Well, that's good news! Now we know!!!! Thank you for the update...Blessings to you and yours....Karla

[MajorFamily]

So I took her to the vet, and drum roll please..... lol It was her anal glands! They drained them and it smelled so horrible and there was so much it went all over the floor. Made me sick. Thank you ladies so much you have been wonderful! Big hugs from my family to you two!

[1ringmaker]

There are a lot of low cost clinics out there. Call a local shelter. They usually maintain a list of what's available locally.  Also because of the bad publicity pits have there may even be a clinic that has a program geared specifically for that breed.

[MajorFamily]

Thank you Ladies you have been awesome! I am going to see how much they charge for spaying. Fingers crossed its not that much and we can afford it!

[Misfits4Me]

Let us know what you find out...Good luck, Karla

[Margot49]

Good idea as we are only guessing.  Either way, the problem should be checked before it might become something worse and harder to treat.
Please update

[MajorFamily]

Never checked anal gland, but she is a pit bull. the smell is not constant either if that makes a bit of difference. I think I am going to have to break down and take her to the vet today! :(

[Margot49]

Could be either but good to get checked out.

[Misfits4Me]

I'd say "Anal Glands", too.......Karla

[1ringmaker]

Yea. That smell is very extreme. Never did say what was the breed. Anal gland problem is more common in the smaller breeds.

[Margot49]

Douches are sometimes used but depends what you are treating.  Vaginitis is not all that uncommon. Of course, one always worries about pyometra.  Spaying is really the best option.

On an off chance, have the anal glands checked and expressed.  That "may" be the smell.

[1ringmaker]

I agree that it sounds like an infection. Is there any discharge or swelling?
While she was in season did she bleed moderatly?She could possibly have a blocked tube. Also, examine her for a scratch that could have gotten infected. Some famales will rub thier parts on whatever to relieve the 'itch'. This being her third heat, was there any problem the other times?
One last thing you might consider is purchasing a disposable douche and flush her. As margot49 above said though, a visit to the vet will answer the condition as well as make antibiotics available should they be neccessary.

[MajorFamily]

Do you by any chance know what would cause it? She has never had any action with other dogs.

[Margot49]

Sounds like there is a good chance she has an infection.  I strongly recommend you get her to the Vet.
You really should consider spaying her as it is much healthier for her in the long run.