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Anal Sac Disease in Dogs and Cats

by Dr. Kelly Brodnik

WHAT ARE ANAL SACS?

The anal sacs are a pair of small glands that lie beneath the skin, one on each side of the anus. The lining of the anal sacs contains many glands that produce a brown fluid with a strong odor. This fluid is usually discharged during defecation through ducts leading to the surface of the anus. The wild ancestors of the domestic dog probably used the fluid to mark territory (by scent) and as a defense mechanism.

WHAT IS ANAL SAC DISEASE?

Anal sacs can become impacted with a thick, oily material if the fluid is not expelled regularly. The sacs then become swollen and painful. Impacted anal sacs may become infected and form an abscess, a localized collection of pus, that ruptures and drains through an opening in the skin. A chronic (long-term or recurring) infection without the formation of an abscess may also occur. In either case, the anal sac fluid often contains pus and blood.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF ANAL SAC DISEASE?

A dog with infected or impacted anal glands may lick or bite at or under the tail and scoot its rear end along the floor. Straining during defecation may also be seen. If an abscess is present, discharge may be evident around the anus.

HOW IS ANAL SAC DISEASE DIAGNOSED?

Diagnosis of anal sac disease is found on a physical examination.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR ANAL SAC DISEASE?

Simple, non-infected impactions can be treated by expressing (emptying) the anal sacs regularly.

Chronic (long-term) anal sac infection requires frequent expression of the sacs and placement of antibiotics into the sacs. Initially, sedation or general anesthesia may be required to permit thorough cleansing and flushing of the sacs and respective ducts. In cases of severe, recurrent impaction of infected anal sacs, surgical removal of the sacs may be required, but is not without risk of injury to nerves that supply anal sphincter muscles, etc.