Anal Glands
Anal Glands or Anal Sacs as they are sometimes called are glands located near the anus. These glands secret a liquid, which has a bad odor onto the feces of the animal each time it defecates. Anal gland problems are impaction of the glands, infection within the glands, and abscessed. Animals with anal gland problems will usually lick the anal area, scoot along the floor, chase its tail, or have problems with defecation.
Functions of the Anal Glands
All predatory animals have anal glands and its use varies from marking territories, communication, to a defense system. Skunks in the wild discharge the secretion as a form of defense (very bad smell). Dogs use it for marking territories or as a form of communication. When the dog or cat defecates, it deposits a small amount of secretion on the feces. Other dogs and cats are then able to tell who has been in the area by the smell of the feces. As each animal's scent is unique, they are able to recognize each other by smelling each other in the anus area.
The location of the anal glands are situated on each side of and slightly below the anal opening, at the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock positions.
From the sacs, a duct leads underneath the skin and to the opening directly beside the anus.
Anal Gland Problems
Anal gland problems occur more in dogs then cats. Due to the thickness of the secretion or the softness of the animal's feces, the anal glands can become blocked or become infected. This problem can be very irritating for the animal and it may try to lick and chew at its rear end or scoot (dragging its bottom on the floor). Anal glands can also become infected and abscess. Bacteria can travel into the glands through the ducts and become infected inside the glands. Serious cases can cause the glands to rupture and you get a discharge of pus. This is usually very painful for the animal.
Treatment and prevention
When the glands become full, you can have them expressed at a veterinarian, at the groomer, or do it yourself, by emptying the contents of the glands. This is done by applying pressure with your fingers, start below the gland and then pushing upwards. Impacted glands usually do not affect the overall health of the animal but some pets may injure themselves from scooting on the floor or biting its rear end.
When the glands become abscessed, the veterinarian usually give antibiotics to control the infection and if they have already ruptured then some medicated wash is used to clean the area. Problems may occur with old scar tissue or other damage that may affect the nerves and muscles in the area causing incontinence of feces.
Animals with chronic anal gland problems may be advised by the veterinarian to have them surgically removed. This will eliminate all problems associated with the area but complications can sometimes occur causing fecal incontinence.
Animals with recurrent anal gland problems are placed on a high fiber diet. This diet makes the animal's feces more bulky and thus put more pressure on the glands so that the glands will express themselves when the animal defecates.
Questions & Answers on the Anal Glands
What Are The Anal Glands?
The anal glands (more properly termed the anal sacs) are two sac-like structures
located just under the skin near the anus. These sacs periodically fill with a
thick, foul smelling secretion known as anal gland secretion (or anal sac
secretion). Under normal circumstances a small amount of this secretion
(discharge) is expelled from the gland each time the pet defecates (meaning to
"go to the bathroom" or "produce stool")
What Is The Difference Between The "Anal Glands" And The "Anal Sacs?"
Technically speaking, "anal sacs" is the proper term for the structures which
house the anal gland secretion while the "anal glands'' are the microscopic
glandular structures, lining the inside of the anal sac, which produce the
secretion itself. In common usage, however, the terms "anal sacs" and "anal
glands" are used interchangeably. Since most of our clients are accustomed to
referring to these structures as "anal glands" this is the term we often use in the
veterinary clinic.
Are The Anal Glands A Normal Part Of My Dog's Anatomy?
Yes.
Does My Cat Have Anal Glands?
Yes.
Do People Have Anal Glands?
No.
What Is The Function Of The Anal Glands?
The anal glands have no known function in the modern world. They are
"vestigial" organs like your appendix) meaning that they once had a function but
as the dog and cat evolved, the anal glands lost that function. The best theory is
that dogs once used the pungent smelling anal gland secretion to mark their
territories in the wild. Wolves and other wild cousins of the dog are known to do
this. Also, dogs will occasionally express (meaning to squeeze secretion out)
their anal glands when they are frightened, so it is thought the secretion could
be intended to have a defensive repellent function.
Can My Dog's Anal Glands Sometimes Become Diseased Or Have Other Problems?
Yes.
What Are Some Of The Diseases Or Problems That The Anal Glands Can Have?
The main problems the anal glands can have are (1) impaction; (2) infection
and abcess; (3) rupture; and (4) tumors.
What Is "Impaction" Of The Anal Glands?
This is "plugging-up" or "stopping-up" of the anal glands, with normal secretion.
Sometimes the outlet (called the duct) of the anal gland becomes stopped-up
and the gland fails to empty properly. This usually leads to discomfort (from the
accumulating pressure) and will sometimes lead to infection.
How Can I Tell If My Dog Has Impaction Of The Anal Glands?
Though the signs will vary from case to case, common signs are: (1) scooting
on the rear end; (2) licking the region around the anal glands; (3) reluctance
(sometimes) in defecating (often resembling true constipation); and (4)
discomfort (sometimes) when the area is touched. Occasionally, a dog can have
an impaction and not show us any of these signs. Also, these symptoms
(scooting, licking the rear area, etc.) can be signs of other problems on occasion
too (such as worms, skin infection, stool. adhered to the fur, etc.) so it's
important that we examine the patient to determine exactly what the problem
is.
How Is Impaction Of The Anal Glands Treated?
In uncomplicated cases, treatment usually consists of digitally (meaning to use
the fingers) squeezing the glands to help them express.
Briefly, How Do You Express The Anal Glands?
There are two common methods which can be referred to as the "external" and
"internal" methods. With the external method we express the anal glands by
placing a paper towel (or something similar) against the glands (which can be
felt with the fingers - they feel like "grapes" under the skin) and gently pressing
on them to get them to express. With the other method of expressing the anal
glands, called the "internal" method, we first put a latex exam glove on and
lubricate the index finger with KY jelly. Then the index finger is gently inserted
in the anus and we isolate the gland between the index finger and thumb. Then
we gently squeeze the gland from both sides (inside and outside) to express the
secretion. I personally prefer this method because (for me at least) I can express
more of the secretion from the gland than with the external method.
Can My Groomer Express My Dog's Anal Glands?
Yes. Of course this is up to the individual groomer, but many dog groomers do
provide this service.
Can I Learn How To Express My Dog's Anal Glands?
Yes. Although most people have either the veterinarian or the groomer do this,
you can learn to express your dog's anal glands at home. Your regular vet will
be glad to show you how.
Briefly, Describe Infection, Abcess, And Rupture Of The Anal Glands.
Infection of the anal glands is not uncommon especially with chronic impaction.
When one or both of the glands become(s) infected they often will rupture to
the outside and drain, similar to any other abcess. This can be quite painful
when it occurs, but fortunately most patient's anal glands will heal in a short
time (several days).
Briefly, How Do You Treat Abscess And Rupture Of The Anal Glands?
In uncomplicated cases we treat this by cleaning out (flushing) the ruptured anal
gland with antiseptic solution and placing the patient on antibiotics when
indicated. After the ruptured gland has healed over we express it periodically to
try to insure that it's not becoming impacted again.
Do Some Dogs Have Chronic Problems With Their Anal Glands?
Yes.
What Can Be Done For The Patient Who Has Chronic Problems With The Anal Glands?
In chronic cases the treatment of choice is usually to remove the glands
surgically in an operation called an anal sacculectomy. Since the anal glands
are vestigial organs, the dog with chronic anal gland problems is better off
without them.
What Factors Will Predispose One Patient To Have Problems With The Anal Glands More Than Other Patients?
The main factors which predispose patients to have problems are (1) small body
size and (2) obesity. Dogs under 20 lbs. have a higher incidence of anal gland
impaction and other anal gland problems than larger dogs. The smaller the dog
is, the more chance of anal gland problems. Tea cup poodles, Chihuahuas, and
Pomeranians have an unusually high incidence of impaction. As with all
generalities, of course, we will see exceptions with many small dogs never
having any anal gland problems and some large dogs occasionally having
severe problems. Overweight dogs also occasionally have a mechanical
problem with getting the glands to express well.
What Role Does Diet Play In The Health Of The Anal Glands?
This is controversial. There is some evidence indicating that a diet higher in fat
will cause more anal gland secretion and thicker secretion and therefore more
potential problems but this is not certain. Also, some have advocated a high
fiber diet to increase the frequency and the bulk of the stools, thereby
stimulating the glands to express more often. Here again, no studies as of yet
have conclusively proven this to be of benefit, so dietary approaches are strictly
on a "trial basis".
How Can I Lower The Chances Of My Dog Having Anal Gland Problems?
You should have your dog's anal glands expressed (or express them yourself) as
often as needed. Some dogs never need the anal glands expressed while some
need them expressed as frequently as every couple of weeks. On the average,
dogs under 15 lbs need the anal glands expressed about every couple of
months. It's a good idea to have your groomer express the anal glands along
with routine grooming
