Abby has had problems with anal glands a couple times...and it was very uncomfortable for her. The vet had to "express" them both times while I held her...yelping quite indignantly (and quite smelly, I must ad). I understand that they can get infected & cause problems too...the 1st time we had it done they put her on antibiotics because she had a pretty high temp, too. She's almost 4 & we've done this twice.