Anal glands, or anal sacs as they are sometimes called, are small paired pouches located between the internal and external anal sphincter muscles, one on each side of the anus at roughly the 4 and 8 o'clock position. At the Manchester Animal Hospital, we see anal gland issues in about ten percent of our patients.
Liquid held inside the sac is usually expelled when a dog defecates, but if this does not occur on a regular basis, the material inside thickens, which makes it harder to pass. If this situation persists, the gland may become impacted, inflamed and infected. The gland can even abscess and rupture through to the skin surface.
It is often difficult to determine why some pets suffer painful anal sac disorders while others do not. Obese animals do seem to have more trouble with their anal glands than do slimmer individuals, probably because extra body fat in the anal region lessens the pressure that passing feces applies to the glands. Similarly, pets who have chronically soft stools tend to be at higher risk of anal gland problems. Some individuals may be born with very narrow ducts that drain the glands, thereby obstructing the flow of anal sac material. Acquired damage to the duct can occur with perianal infections, trauma, allergies, or inflammation. Other potential causes include anal sphincter muscle dysfunction, distended anal glands, and overproduction of anal gland material.
Relatively uncommon in cats and large breed dogs, anal gland infections and impactions are more often diagnosed in small breeds such as Toy and Miniature Poodles, Chihuahuas, and Lhasa Apsos. Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, and Beagles also rank high on the list of breeds affected by anal gland difficulties. Dogs of any age and either sex can be affected.
While a change in diet alone won’t resolve a significant anal gland problem once it has developed, feeding a diet rich in fiber may help prevent future recurrences. The pressure of the firm, bulky stool against the colon wall near the anus can help to express the anal gland contents when a pet defecates.
A difference of opinion exists regarding whether or not healthy anal glands should be routinely expressed by hand. Many veterinarians suggest that this should not be done in a normal dog with no history of problems. Many groomers make it a matter of routine to express the anal glands of the dogs under their care. We do not recommend this practice.
Most pets who are having problems with their anal glands will scoot their bottom along the floor, frequently turn to lick or bite at the anal region, or display discomfort when passing stool. Any pet with persistent symptoms like these should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Left untreated, anal sac impactions, infections, and abscesses can become serious problems for your dog, so be proactive about an evaluation if your dog displays any discomfort in the anal region.
Veterinarians check a pet’s anal glands with a digital rectal exam — inserting a lubricated, gloved finger through the pet’s anus and feeling the surrounding structures. The doctor will also express each gland to evaluate the material and how easily it can pass through the ducts. This is usually the only treatment necessary if a pet’s anal glands are mildly impacted.
If your pet is diagnosed with an infection, your veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics and perhaps other treatments like warm compresses and pain relievers. An abscessed anal gland may also need surgery to provide drainage and to remove damaged and infected tissues. Regularly scheduled anal gland expressions can help prevent impaction and infection in dogs who suffer from recurrent anal gland problems. This procedure can be performed by your veterinarian.
While impaction and infection are the most common anal gland problems in pets, other conditions, including cancer, can affect the perianal region of pets. If you suspect that your dog or cat is suffering from an anal gland disorder, make an appointment with your veterinarian.
Dr. Lamb is the Veterinarian at the Manchester Animal Hospital. His column, Pets and People, has been running biweekly in The Manchester Cricket for more than 15 years. If you have a topic that is animal related, email the newspaper at news@cricketpress.com. You never know - your question may be the subject of a future column.
