Canines, like other carnivores, have a pair of sacs on either side of the anus, between the internal and external anal sphincter muscles. The walls of these paired structures are lined with large glands that secrete a foul-smelling, yellow-gray or brownish liquid or pasty material. Normally, small amounts of this material are expelled from the anal sacs when the dog defecates and also when it is startled or suddenly becomes fearful. Anal sac disease is
Anal sac disorders are relatively common in dogs, especially in small breeds. The anal sacs are paired structures on either side of a dog’s anus that normally secrete a very smelly substance during defecation, probably as a form of territorial marking. When these sacs become irritated, inflamed, impacted or infected – which can occur for a number of reasons – the contents of the sacs are unable to drain normally, which causes affected animals to
Anal sac problems are rather common in domestic dogs and are not particularly difficult to diagnose. It is important for owners to take these problems seriously and to seek veterinary assessment and advice, because without treatment the problems can progressively worsen.A thorough history and physical examination are essential when anal sac problems are suspected. After taking a complete history, the attending veterinarian will evaluate the rectal area visually and digitally (by hand). The digital examination
When an owner suspects that her dog may have “something unusual going on” in the area around the anus, she should take her pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible. In most cases, anal sac problems are not emergencies. However, if left untreated, the conditions can worsen rapidly and become more difficult to treat once diagnosed. The goals of treatment are to relieve pain, empty the anal sacs, reduce inflammation, control any infection and
Anal sac “disease” in dogs is a generic term which includes anal sac impaction, anal sacculitis, anal sac abscesses and anal sac neoplasia (cancer, which usual involves anal sac adenocarcinoma of the apocrine glands, or squamous cell carcinoma). A dog living with anal sac disease usually will experience pain and discomfort in its rear end or anal area. Owners may be able to assess the level of their pet’s’ discomfort by listening to their dog