Anal Sac Disease in Dogs

About Anal Sacs

The anal sacs are small bean shaped structures located just inside the rectum near the anus. Often incorrectly referred to as anal glands, these sacs do contain glandular tissues that secrete a clear to brownish liquid upon normal defecation. The function of this secretion is unknown but may be involved in territorial / scent marking.

About Anal Sac disease

Anal sac disease is most commonly seen in small breeds of dogs such as poodles and Chihuahuas but can be seen in any breed or size of dog.

There are three different forms of this disease:

• Impaction

• Sacculitis

• Abscess formation

Signs seen in the three forms are very similar.

Impaction

This is the most common sign of anal sac disease. The normally liquid secretions usually become thicker and dryer, making it difficult if not impossible for the dog to express the contents when having a bowel movement. Signs seen at this stage are related to pain and discomfort involving the anus. These include: scooting, licking or biting at the anal area, painful or prolonged defecation, discomfort when sitting down, tail chasing and suddenly jumping up while at rest.

Treatment at this stage is usually uncomplicated and involves the veterinarian manually expressing the anal sacs.

Sacculitis

This condition occurs when the sacs become inflamed and often infected. Signs at this stage are usually indistinguishable from those of an impaction; however the veterinarian may note a change in the type of material expressed from the sacs. The sacs may also be tender at this time.

Treatment is more in depth at this stage and may involve the use of local and systemic antibiotics and anti-inflammatory agents. In addition, flushing of the sacs may be required.

Abscess Formation

An abscess occurs when the sac is very inflamed and infected and the material is unable to be expressed. The resultant swelling is visible to both the owner and the veterinarian. The area around the anus is red, hot and painful. There may also be a discharge from a ruptured sac.

Treatment of the abscess may involve the use of hot packs, lancing the sacs to allow drainage, local and systemic antibiotics and anti-inflammatories and daily therapy by the owner. Chronic anal sac disease is an indication for surgical removal of the sacs.

Prevention

Prevention of anal sac disease is difficult because the underlying cause is unknown. Predisposing factors have been suggested and include: generalized seborrhea ( a condition where the skin is either too dry or too oily), improper diet, glands in the sac that are too active, poor muscle tone in the anal sphincters and breed predilection.

Disease unrelated to the anal sacs can cause similar or identical signs, therefore the value of a physical exam cannot be overstated. By evaluating your pets overall condition, the veterinarian can determine the best course of treatment and possible prevention in the future.

Signs of anal sac disease

• Scooting

• Licking / Biting at the anal area

• Painful or prolonged defecation

• Discomfort when sitting down

• Tail Chasing

• Suddenly jumping while at rest

Note:-

Never assume that a scooting dog has worms. More often than not the dogs’ anal sacs are impacted and need to be expressed. Contact your vet if you think your dog may have an anal sac problem.

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