WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Dogs have two small oval-shaped glands (sacs) on either side of the anus. The purpose of the glands is to produce a fluid with a strong smell (very pungent and fishy smell) unique to each dog. During defaecation, dogs express a small amount of fluid from the glands. The scent of this fluid contains unique chemical signals that can convey information about the dog, such as age, sex, and health status, and is used for marking territory. Most dogs can also involuntarily express their anal glands when they’re fearful or become stressed.
Many dogs will go through their lifetime without any issues with their anal glands. In some dogs, however, there are times when these glands can become full, impacted, or infected. When signs of anal gland issues occur, dog owners should consult their local veterinarian. Understanding the function of anal glands and being aware of potential problems can help pet owners recognise when their dog may be experiencing discomfort or health issues related to these glands.
Signs of anal sac disease in dogs
• Scooting their anus along the floor or lawn.
• Excessive licking or itching of the anal area.
• Straining or difficulty with defaecation.
• Blood or pus in the stool or near the anus.
If you notice any of these signs or behaviours in your dog, you should consult your veterinarian. Small breed dogs are predisposed to anal sac disease, whereas large or giant breeds are rarely affected.
Stages of anal sac disease
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Impaction: Anal gland impaction occurs when the glands become overly full due to failure of emptying properly. This leads to discomfort, pain, and swelling around the anus.
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Infection: When the anal glands become impacted, they’re at a higher risk of developing an infection. Bacteria can multiply within the blocked glands, leading to inflammation, pain, and eventually abscess formation.
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Abscesses: In severe cases of infection, anal gland abscesses can develop. Abscesses may rupture, leading to the release of foul-smelling discharge and causing further pain and discomfort for the pet.
Factors that increase the likelihood of anal gland problems
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Chronic dermatitis (inflammation of the skin)
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Obesity
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Insufficient dietary fibre
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Chronic soft stool
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Food and/or environmental allergies
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Genetics
Treatment of anal glands disease
Your veterinarian can manually express the anal sacs by hand. In severe cases, your vet may need to inject a softening agent into the sac or flush out the sacs under general anaesthesia.
Pain medication will be administered and sent home for further analgesia over the course of 3-5 days, depending on the severity of the condition. If infection is present, antibiotics may also be prescribed. Applying warm compresses can be helpful if an abscess is present. In some patients, this condition becomes a chronic problem and dogs need to have their anal glands expressed manually on a regular basis.
Prevention and management of chronic anal sac disease
Dietary fibre plays a significant role in the management of anal sac disease in dogs by promoting healthy bowel movements and aiding in the natural expression of the anal glands.
Fibre-rich diets can help regulate the consistency and frequency of bowel movements, which in turn helps to ensure the proper emptying of the anal glands during defaecation. Additionally, dietary fibre maintains overall gastrointestinal health by reducing inflammation, promoting optimal digestion and providing a prebiotic source for the intestinal microflora.
Montego’s Karoo Targeted Care Metabolic Diet and Sterilised Dog dry food for dogs offer all these benefits through the unique blend of fibre which includes psyllium husks, pea fibre, beet pulp, inulin, and cellulose.
Artilce credit: Canine Zone magazine
