No Ifs, Ands or Butts – Anal Sac Disease is a Big Problem!
Does your dog scoot their bottom across the carpet or grass? Obsessively chew at or pull hair from one side of their tail? It could be anal gland (or sac) inflammation bothering your dear pup! The anal sacs are two small glands located on either side of the anus, with ducts that empty into the anus. The glands excrete an oily, fishy smelling substance to help facilitate passage of fecal material.
The anal sacs, if they are not emptying normally, can build up fluid inside until it becomes quite painful to the dog. Many dogs will scoot their bottom on a rough surface in an effort to relieve the irritation, or obsessively lick, chew or pull out hair near their tail. The pressure inside the sac can become so great that the material bursts through the gland wall to the exterior of the skin beside the anus to drain, creating an anal gland abscess. Sometimes the material starts to dry out and becomes too hard to pass through the duct openings. This becomes an anal sac impaction which requires urgent medical or surgical intervention to resolve.
During the course of a wellness visit, your veterinarian will check for swelling beside the anus that might indicate impacted anal sacs. If there is a suspicion upon examination or clinical signs associated with anal sac disease, an anal gland expression will be recommended. A gloved, lubricated finger is used to gently assess the size of the anal sacs. Firm pressure is exerted to remove or express the material and note the character and difficulty of removal. Anal glandular fluid is a normally dark brown liquid that is somewhat greasy and foul smelling. In anal sac disease, it becomes thickened and abnormally colored, often pale tan or containing blood. If there is an impaction present, special medications will be infused into the sac (generally under sedation) to facilitate dissolution of the impacted material.
Occasionally a dog will have abnormal anatomy of the ducts that will lead to chronic anal sac impaction or overfilling. These dogs do need to be seen by a veterinarian for an anal sac expression at least twice a year. Dietary changes, which include adding more fiber to your dog’s diet (fresh or cooked vegetables) will help bulk up the stools and can aid in regular emptying of the anal sacs. Commercially available supplements show varying degrees of efficacy.
If you suspect a problem with your dog’s anal sacs, be sure to mention to your veterinarian! No ifs, ands or butts – anal sac disease is a big problem!