Anal gland disease is a common problem in dogs and cats.
The anal glands, also called 'anal sacs,' can become impacted,
infected, and abscessed. Affected pets may lick the anal area,
'scoot' along the floor, or have problems with defecation.
This article will help you better understand anal glands.
Location and function of anal glands.
As the dog or cat is viewed from behind, anal glands (also
called anal sacs) are located on each side of and slightly
below the anal opening, at the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock
positions. A tiny duct or tube leads under the skin to an
opening directly beside the anus.
All predators, whether they are canines or felines in the
wild or skunks in your backyard, have anal glands. They just
use them differently. Skunks discharge the secretion from
these glands as a form of defense, while dogs use it primarily
for territorial marking or as a form of communication. In dogs
and cats, every time a stool is passed, it should put enough
pressure on the anal glands that some of the secretion is
deposited on the surface of the stool. Other dogs and cats are
then able to tell who has been in the neighborhood, just by
sniffing the stools they find. Additionally, dogs and cats
recognize each other by smelling each other in the general
area of the anus, since each animal's anal glands produce a
unique scent.
Diseases of the anal glands
Anal
gland impactions, infections, and abscesses can occur. Here is
how: For various reasons, such as the conformation of the
animals, the thickness of the gland's secretions, or the
softness of the stool, these glands and their ducts often
become clogged, or 'impacted.' When this occurs, the animal
will sit down on its rear quarters and drag its anal area
across the floor or ground. This is called 'scooting.' Both
dogs and cats may lick the anal area excessively. Impacted
anal glands are a very, very common problem for dogs,
especially the smaller breeds.
Anal glands may also become infected and abscess. Bacteria
make their way into the glands, probably through the ducts.
This is a very painful condition, and the first sign you may
see is that the animal attempts to bite or scratch when you
touch the area near the tail.
Treatment and prevention
When the glands become impacted, a veterinarian, groomer,
or the pet's owner must clean them out, or 'express' them.
This empties the glands of all material. It is done by
applying pressure with the finger, start below the gland and
then pushing upwards. In some dogs, this needs to be done
every week or two.
Impacted glands do not affect the overall health of the
pet. The problem is that pets may injure the anal area when
scooting across the ground, or discharge the secretion on the
carpet or floor. And this material has a terrible odor.
Anal gland abscesses must be lanced by a veterinarian, and
antibiotics are usually given to the pet for seven to 14 days.
Using warm compresses on the area often helps to relieve some
of the pain and reduce swelling. Secondary problems sometimes
occur with abscesses, as they may cause scar tissue
or other damage that may affect the nerves and muscles in this
area. This can cause fecal incontinence, meaning the pet
cannot retain its stools.
If an individual pet only has an occasional problem with
the gland, they can be dealt with as needed. However, for pets
with repeated or chronic
problems, surgical removal of the glands is recommended. With
the removal of these glands all problems associated with these
glands are eliminated for the remainder of the pet's life.
Although a fairly simple procedure, complications such as
fecal incontinence can rarely occur.
Dogs with recurrent anal gland impactions are often placed
on a high fiber diet. The high fiber makes the animal's stool
more bulky. The stool will put more pressure on the anal
glands and hopefully the glands will express themselves when
the animal defecates. There are several commercial brands of
high fiber dog food available. Animals may also be
supplemented with bran or medications such as Metamucil which
will increase the bulk of the stool.
© 2006 Foster & Smith, Inc.
Reprinted as a courtesy and with permission from PetEducation.com
(http://www.PetEducation.com)
On-line store at
http://www.DrsFosterSmith.com
Free pet supply catalog: 1-800-323-4208
The Chihuahua Club of America Thanks Drs. Foster &
Smith for use of their articles.
