The Anal Glands and Problems in Pets

The location of the anal glands are on either side of the rectum at the 8:00 and 4:00 positions. They connect to the anus by means of small canals, or ducts. Anal sacs produce and store a dark, foul-smelling fluid. These are the same types of organs that a skunk has to scare away its enemies. Although dogs can use these for the same purpose, most dogs live in an environment that has no enemies. If these glands are not expressed often, the fluid inside can become thick and an ideal environment for bacterial growth. Smaller breed dogs tend to be more prone to anal gland issues.

There are 3 diseases that occur in the anal sacs. When the fluid becomes thick and solidified, the condition is called impaction. When bacteria grow in this material producing a yellow or bloody pus, the condition is called infection. When the infection builds to create a hot, tender swelling in the gland, the condition is called an abscess. The material inside the gland can overflow the sac causing the skin to break open.

So how can you tell if your pet may have anal gland disease? Scooting or dragging of the rear end is a common sign seen. There can also be excessive licking at the rectum, bloody or mucous like discharge, or a significant swelling on either side of the rectal area.

A veterinarian can confirm this disease upon physical examination. On rectal exam, the anal glands will palpate large and distended. The exudate of the anal gland will reveal a thick, yellow, or bloody substance which confirms a problem. The glands can also be very difficult and painful to express.

How you treat anal gland problems depends on the symptoms and the condition. Treatments sometimes is straight forward with an impaction since it just may need regular expression of the glands. If there is evidence of infection the first course of treatment is antibiotic therapy. Some times infection can be persistent therefore require further diagnostics like a culture of the gland exudate. The reason why bacterial cultures are beneficial because they allow for the accurate cause of infection and treatment. Further treatment could also include anal gland flush with an antiseptic solution and infusion of the glands with an antibiotic ointment. It is best that an anal gland flush is performed under sedation.. A ruptured abscess is a likely indication for surgery. The surgical process involves cleaning out the abscess material and placing a drain. Surgical removal of the glands is a final resort for some pets. This is indicated in cases that are not improving despite treatment..

The prognosis can vary based on what is initially causing the issue. Dogs with routine anal gland impaction can be well managed with expression every two months. Also adding a fiber source to the diet may help bulk up the feces which can increase self-expression of the glands. The challenge can occur with dogs that have recurrent infections. They usually don't improve with antibiotics or the infection comes right back when the medication is finished. A great option in my experience has been an anal gland flush with infusion of an antibiotic ointment. A bacterial culture of the exudate can also help treatment become more effective. As previously mentioned the anal glands can be surgically removed which will directly remove the source of the problem ensuring no problems in the future.

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