Introduction

The “anal sacs” are pockets between the internal and external anal sphincter muscles on either side of the anus of carnivores. The walls of these sacs are lined with large sebaceous glands that secrete a smelly discharge for territorial marking or during times of fear or anxiety. Anal sac disease includes anal sac blockage, impaction, hypersecretion, inflammation, abscess and neoplasia. Anal sac problems are rare in cats, but when they do occur they normally involve impaction.

Symptoms of Anal Sac Disease in Cats

When the anal glands fail to empty, most cats will scoot their rear ends along the ground, which helps to squeeze and empty the secretions from their anal glands. If this is unsuccessful, affected cats tend to become increasingly uncomfortable, begin straining and excessively lick and bite at their anal area. If left untreated, cats commonly develop a rash around their anus due to self-trauma. Some cats may chase their tails and/or undergo changes in temperament. Cats that require constant manual anal gland emptying should be thoroughly assessed by a veterinarian to make sure that there is no underlying medical cause for this problem.