Impaction
Inflammation
Infection or abscess formation
Tumors
Anal sac impaction can lead to inflammation
or infection of the anal sacs. Dogs are more
commonly affected with anal sac disease than
cats. Small breed dogs are more commonly
affected with anal sac impaction than large
breed dogs. Older female dogs are more
commonly affected with anal sac tumors.
What to Watch For
Scooting or dragging the anus on the ground
or carpet
Frequent licking of the anus or tail base
Reluctance to sit or sitting asymmetrically
to avoid pressure on the painful anal sac
Straining to defecate, difficulty
defecating, production of ribbon-like stools
Chronic/recurrent anal sac infections and
anal gland tumors are indications for anal
gland removal.
Diagnosis
A complete history
A complete physical exam
Rectal examination including an attempt to
manually express the anal sacs
Blood tests, as anal sac tumors can cause an
increase in blood calcium levels
Chest and abdominal X-rays to check for
tumor spread to other organs
Abdominal ultrasound to check lymph nodes
for tumor spread
Treatment
Anal gland removal is done under general
anesthesia
One or both anal glands are removed as
needed
There is a small risk of fecal incontinence
with any surgery around the anus, including
anal gland removal. This risk is higher when
both anal glands are removed than if only
one is removed
Tumors of the anal sacs can spread to lymph
nodes in the abdomen. Affected lymph nodes
can be removed, although this can be
difficult
Home Care
Be aware of your pet's normal defecation
habits and stool appearance so that you can
notice any changes. Contact your
veterinarian if you notice any of the above
signs of anal sac disease. Follow your
veterinarian's instructions for home care
after anal gland removal. Give medications
as instructed and use an Elizabethan collar
on your pet to keep licking at the surgery
site.