Anal Sac Disease

The anal sacs (also called anal glands) are located on each side if the anus, just under the skin. They open to the outside by tiny passageways or ducts. Glands within the anal sacs produce a dark, foul-smelling substance. The sacs normally empty as the dog or cat has a bowl movement. Their purpose is unknown but may have to due with scent marking of territory. They serve no known function in domestic animals.

Diseases of the anal sacs fall into 3 categories:
1.Impaction: The anal sac fluid is abnormally thick and cannot escape.
2.Infection: Bacteria produce yellow or bloody pus.
3.Abscessation: As a result of infection, a hot, tender swelling near the anus may rupture and discharge pus and blood.

Signs of anal sac disease include "scooting" (dragging the anus on the floor), excessive licking under the tail, tenderness near the tail or anus, and/or bloody or sticky drainage from the anal area.

Treatment for anal sac disease may include the following:
» Manual expression (squeezing) of the sac contents (may need to be done on a regular basis).
» Injectable or oral antibiotics.
» Injectable or oral aniinflammatory drugs.
» Flushing the sacs and instilling antibiotics into them.
» Surgical drainage or removal of the sacs.