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Anal Sac Disease In Dogs
What is Anal Sac Disease, or Impacted Anal Glands, in Dogs?
You're out on a nice walk with your dog, enjoying the fresh air, when all of a sudden, they start scooting along the ground, almost like they're trying to ‘wipe’ their behind. You might also notice a fishy smell that won’t go away even after a good clean. If this sounds familiar, your dog could have anal sac disease.
This condition can be caused by several things, and it can make your dog pretty uncomfortable. But don’t worry – with the right treatment, you can help your furry friend feel better and prevent it from happening again.
Let’s dive into what’s going on, find out how to treat it, and how to stop it from recurring. After all, the last thing we want to see is our precious pup in pain.
What are the anal sacs?
Anal sacs (also known as anal glands) are two small pouches located just below your dog's anus. They sit between the internal and external sphincter muscles.
These sacs are lined with sweat glands that produce a very unpleasant-smelling fluid. Normally, this fluid gets released through a small duct inside the anus. This release typically happens when your dog poops, and it's thought to be a way for dogs to mark their territory or communicate with other dogs.
However, sometimes these sacs can become impacted, infected, or swollen, causing discomfort for your pooch. That’s when you’ll see them scooting – and a sign it’s time for action!
What are impacted anal glands?
The first stage of anal sac disease in dogs is usually impacted anal glands. This happens when the glands get blocked and swollen, making it painful for your dog to poop. You’ll often see them scooting along the ground in an attempt to relieve the discomfort.
The next stage is sacculitis, where bacteria can start to grow in the swollen glands, leading to an infection. This makes things even more uncomfortable for your dog, and the area may become red and inflamed.
If things get worse, it can progress to the final stage: an abscess. This is when the infected glands form a pocket of pus. If the abscess bursts, the pus can spread, causing further infection in the surrounding areas, including the anus and rectum.
In serious cases, this can lead to a hole near the anus that might require surgery to fix.
Normally, the anal glands or ‘sacs’ produce a greasy, foul-smelling substance that your dog uses to mark its territory. When your dog poops, the stool should apply enough pressure to push the substance out of the glands.
However, if that pressure isn’t enough for some reason, the substance can build up and thicken, eventually blocking the glands. This is when impacted anal glands occur, leading to swelling, irritation, and discomfort for your dog.
Symptoms of impacted anal glands in dogs
If you notice any signs of impacted anal glands, it’s important to take them seriously, as untreated cases can lead to serious infections.
One of the first things you may notice is your dog paying a lot of attention to their anal area, such as licking, biting, or even scooting along the ground. This is usually a sign that something down there is bothering them.
Here are a few other symptoms to watch out for:
- Scooting rear end along the ground. This is when your dog drags its backside along the floor
- Excessive tail chasing
- Excessive licking or biting at the anal area or the root of the tail
- Painful defecation
- Foul smell from the backside
- Red, swollen, and painful anal area
- Increased aggressiveness
- Brown or red discharges from the anal area, often spotting the floor
- Diarrhea or other digestive problems preceding other symptoms
- An abscess near rectum
- A hole near your dog’s rectum that releases bloody or greenish-yellow pus
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Causes of impacted anal glands in dogs
Anal glands can become impacted when the substance inside them doesn’t get squeezed out properly. This causes the fluid to thicken, leading to swollen sacs and blocked ducts, which prevent any secretions from leaving the glands.
There are a few different reasons this might happen, including:
- Inflammation of the anal sacs
- Loose or irregular stools
- Trauma, such as from pinching, squeezing, or unnecessarily manually expressing the glands
- Genetics. Some breeds are more prone to anal gland problems, such as smaller breeds like Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, or Toy Poodles
- Overweight dogs may have less muscle tone around their anal glands, making it harder for glands to empty properly.
- Infections
- Skin disorders
- Poor muscle tone
- Tumors
- Excessive gland production
Anal sac disease in dogs – breeds most likely to be affected
Impacted anal glands in dogs is a relatively common condition – it’s estimated that *around 4% of dogs are affected by it each year. It’s generally seen more often in obese and older dogs, perhaps due to their reduced activity, as well as reduced muscle mass and a decreased ability to groom.
Research has shown that some breeds are more likely to be affected than others. If you own one of the following breeds, it’s worth being especially vigilant: Chihuahua, Dachshund, Miniature Poodle, Toy Poodle, Shih Tzu, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, as well as crosses between Cocker Spaniels and Poodles, and the Bichon Frise.
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Diagnosis of impacted anal glands in dogs
For your vet to work out how best to treat your poor pooch, they’ll need to know the following:
- When you first saw the symptoms
- How the symptoms have progressed
- Any recent illnesses or injuries your dog may have had
- Any changes of behavior or diet
- If your dog has had their anal glands manually expressed, either at home or by a groomer.
Physical examination
With the information you’ve provided, your vet will likely begin by performing a physical exam, which may include a rectal exam. If your dog’s anal sacs are impacted or infected, the vet will be able to detect it right away.
They’ll look for signs like swelling, odor, or unusual secretions to help make the diagnosis.
Laboratory tests for impacted anal glands in dogs
If your dog’s anal sacs keep getting impacted or if the issue keeps coming back, your vet may suggest a few tests to figure out the root cause.
Tests like a urinalysis, stool analysis, anal swab, and blood tests can provide valuable info about your dog’s overall health and help pinpoint any underlying conditions.
They can also rule out other possible causes or identify hormone imbalances, electrolyte problems, or chemical abnormalities that might be affecting the anal glands.
In some cases, your vet might also recommend X-rays or scans to check for tumors or other physical issues that could be blocking the glands and preventing proper drainage.
Treating impacted anal glands in dogs
Manual method
In many cases, treating impacted anal glands is as simple as having your vet manually express the glands.
During this procedure, the vet will gently squeeze each gland to release the thickened fluid. This is quick and effective method can provide immediate relief for your dog.
Flushing method
If the impaction is more severe or if the glands have become infected, your vet may need to take more advanced steps. In these cases, your dog might need to be sedated so that the glands can be flushed out with saline or a softening solution which helps clear out the blockages and reduces the risk of infection.
In some cases, a single treatment may be enough to solve the problem. However, your vet might recommend manual expressions of the glands from time to time to help prevent future issues and keep your dog comfortable.
Steroids method
To reduce inflammation and pain, your vet may prescribe topical or oral steroids. These can help soothe discomfort and help healing. If there’s an infection present, antibiotics can clear it up. For dogs with an abscess, a combination of surgery, antibiotics, and hot compresses can help with the healing.
Pain medication may also be given to ensure your dog stays comfortable while the swelling and inflammation decrease.
Surgery
In very severe cases, or for recurring impactions, your vet may recommend having your dog’s anal sacs surgically removed. While this does provide a permanent solution, it can sometimes result in your dog suffering fecal incontinence.Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?
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Recovery and prevention of impacted anal glands in dogs
Many dogs who have experienced anal sac impaction will find it happening again. With each recurrence, the ducts leading out of the sacs can get more damaged, which will increase the likelihood of future impactions.
If the issue becomes chronic, surgery can offer a permanent solution. While most dogs recover well from surgery or other treatments, it’s important to keep an eye on your dog afterward.
Your vet may recommend periodically expressing your dog's anal glands to help prevent further problems. However, always consult your vet before attempting this yourself.
As with many health issues in our canine friends, the best way to deal with infected anal glands is to prevent them from happening in the first place.
Regular check-ups and being proactive about your dog’s health can help keep them comfortable and free from this recurring problem. Your vet may well recommend putting your pet on a high fiber diet and as the condition tends to occur in obese dogs, regular exercise is also a must!
Having a well balanced diet is crucial for your dog’s wellbeing. If they are prone to anal sac disease then high fiber dog foods are a must. Check out our choices and find one that suits your pooch best.
Impacted Anal Glands Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Maltese poodle
Ten Years
61 found this helpful
61 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swollen Anus And Shaking
My dog recently started to shake like he’s cold and has a swollen anus. Not been eating lately. What do I do? Besides the vet
Sept. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
61 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
If your dog is not eating, and is shaking, he is sick - there is no home therapy that I can recommend, and he does need to see a veterinarian. They will be able to examine him, see what might be causing the problem, and get treatment for him.
Oct. 8, 2020
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Yorkiepoo
11 months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea With Little Blood, Vomiting Poop
Her bottom is very red and swollen could this be an anal gland problem? She is licking at her bottom and scutting after she goes. Her dog bed where she went to the bathroom
Sept. 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get treatment if needed.
Oct. 14, 2020
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Maltese
Six Years
23 found this helpful
23 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Dragginb His Bavk Legs, Lameness
Hi there. I took my dog to the vet as he was acting painful. They said his anal glands needed to be expressed, they were full. They also found a "cyst", and drained it. Sent him home with antibiotics, and pain meds. 4 days later, he was acting worse. Couldnt walk very well, and not wanting to move. Took him back in, and they said what they thought was a cyst, was an abcess, and upon examination, it erupted. They have him steroids. He is unable to use his back left leg, and is dragging himself a lot, and can barely walk. Is this normal?
Aug. 2, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
23 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I'm sorry that your dog is not doing well, that sounds quite traumatic. Without knowing where the cyst was, it is difficult to say is this might be expected, but it does sound quite unusual to me. I think it might be worth getting a second opinion on what might be going on, as that is concerning that he is not using his leg. Having another veterinarian look at him and be able to examine him would be a good idea as they can see what is going on and give you an idea as to what might be happening. I hope that he is okay.
Aug. 2, 2020
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Pit Bull
Twenty One Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Trouble Walking
My dog is having trouble standing up and walking. I took her to the vet and they gave her the carprofen for inflammation and once she stopped taking that her symptoms come back.
July 13, 2020
Answered by Dr. Ellen M. DVM
0 Recommendations
a
July 13, 2020
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Chihuahua, Long Haired
Shane
8 Years
8 found this helpful
8 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Butt Discomfort
Butt Discomfort And Foot Limping
Hi, my name is Sherry and my long Haired Chihuahua is Shane. We got him when he was 2 years old and have had no problems but bad breath. However for a long while Shane has done some strange things. for example he well not hold his tail u0 and he will lick and sniff his butt and then well run from it into the other room. he also has his pretty tail down unless around a female dog. I was feeling it just now and one side seems swollen a bit, however it is not tender to the touch. no excretions. I have never been successful at excreting his glands although I have tried in the past. We have another bigger dog we are helping out with. 30 lb. my dog has had a hurt paw and limps or holds it up sometimes. How I really don't think it is a break because he still uses it sometimes and it is not tender to the touch. What do you think is the proper time for a sprain to heal. and should it be wrapped? I know I should take him to the vet but I don't have the money to spare.
July 29, 2018
8 Recommendations
There are many causes for discomfort around the anus which may be caused by anal gland issues, trauma to the anus, perineal herniation among other issues; you should keep an eye on Shane but a visit to a Veterinarian may be needed to have a feel to ensure it isn’t something more serious (tumour, abscess etc…). As for the bigger dog, you should try to restrict movement to prevent further injury, don’t try to wrap the leg only ensure plenty of rest; there is no specific time frame but you should see improvement over the week if movement is restricted. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 30, 2018
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Mastiff
Tank
3 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Painful To Stand/Walk
I took my 3 yr old Mastiff mix in to the vet and he had impacted anal glands. they were expessed and we were sent home. Today he is having trouble walking and standing and whimpers and looks at me for help. I called the vet and he said this is normal and nothing I could do for him. They didn't give us any antibiotics or anything. is this truly normal and what can I do?
German Shepherd
Boysie
6 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Walking Tenderly
Finding It Hard To Walk
My almost 7 year old German Shepard had started to walk weird thought his back legs were hurt , took him to the vet he had xrays they noticed he had ruptured anal glands gave him antibiotics but said that that Wouldn’t be causes him to walk like that since antibiotics he hasnt really got any better his back legs seem weak and it hard for him to get up from laying down or sitting his licking his bum a lot , I’m just concerned that it might be the reason ,he is being referred to Fitzpatrick which is going to cost a fortune but wondered if anyone would be able to advice before we take him next week
miniature poodle
Rose
2 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Licking
Scooting
Minimal Walking
Has Not Peed
After taking Rose to get groomed I noticed she was very uncomfortable and would not stop licking herself. After a few days I took her back to the groomers, they told me both her anal glands were inflamed. After we got to the Vet they told me her right side was infected. She was sedated & they drained the abscess. She was sent home with 2 oral medications, an E- collar & a staple where they drained the abscess. An hour after being home she was bleeding heavily and puss was coming out. Eventually it stopped but now she has not peed or pooped. She is having trouble walking and wants to just sit on the staple or scoot on the staple. Is this normal, how do I get her to pee?
Chihuahua
Gucci
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Licking And Scooting
My dog has been licking his bum alot recently and i thought it was because he was farting and i let it be for a while until he would just lay down all day not wanting to get up or play. I searched it up and it brought me here. I dried doing the remedy by myself (emptying his anal glands) but nothing came out!! And he is still the same and im a little worried. I need some advice asap! Btw he started this after being on medication for his injury that he got (which i stopped giving him). Please someone help!
Cava-poo
sadie
9 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sore Rear End Of Body
hello!!!
I will say about 5 days ago i woke to my Cavapoo seeming a little off... I assumed just a upset tummy but she was still eating and drinking like normal. the next day i realized she seemed more stiff and sore more then anything in the rear end. I had seen that she was still peeing and pooping but she seemed very unsure when she would poop though. after doing to research and the bum scooting she had done a couple time but not excessive licking, so after taking quick look saw that her anal glands were a little bigger and swelled up. I had learned in my VA training how to express the glands so i proceed to grab the gloves and cloth and did it myself. everything went well and to be honest the secretion didn't even have a crazy bad odor and made sure to fully empty . it's been about 2 days all though a lot has changed in her willingness to walk around and jump up on the couch she still isn't fully comfortable in the rear end. IE, wont sit pretty or jump up on the bed instead sleeps under the bed at night... could this just be a slow recovery from swelling and expression???
at this moment her bum looks fine even better the yesterday, no blood in stool or pee and is walking around normally just seems a little unstable on her landings and stairs.
