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Submitted by: Dwight Alleyne

So what are anal glands? Anal glands are basically scent glands in the dog and cat. The glands serve their purpose by allowing pets to mark territory and identify themselves. These glands produce a rather unpleasant smell. They are basically equivalent to those extremely malodorous glands that skunks use to scare away their enemies. Anal glands are located on either side of the anus at the 8:00 and 4:00 positions. On palpation, they feel like small sac like structures that should be easy to express. When the anal glands are not expressed on a regular basis problems can occur. Disease of the anal gland is typically what follows.

There are three main issues that can occur with anal gland disease. If the anal glands are not expressed, the fluid is at risk of becoming thickened. An impaction can occur when the fluid thickens inside of the anal gland leading to discomfort for the pet. Another issue is when bacteria begins to grow in the fluid then produces a pus like or bloody exudate. These signs are a manifestation that an anal gland infection is present. Both of the forementioned conditions can lead to the third issue, which is an anal gland abscess. An abscess occurs when the gland cannot accommodate the fluid inside due to its consistency or the large volume. The gland can over expand from the fluid and rupture.

What are some symptoms of anal gland disease? Here are some of the clinical signs you may see with this disease: Licking excessively under the tail, scooting on the rear, swelling near the anus, or a bloody or sticky discharge coming from the rectal area.

How is it diagnosed? It is usually confirmed with a physical examination which reveals enlarged anal glands.

The treatment for impaction is to express the sacs and clean out the solidified material. For infection, the sacs must be expressed and antibiotics administered to kill the bacteria. For abscesses that rupture, the area is surgically drained and a course of antibiotics are given. There are some dogs who are born with abnormal anal gland ducts. This abnormality leads to a constantly draining anal gland which leaves an unpleasant scented trail. In these animals the only remedy is surgical removal of the glands. There does not appear to be any other way to stop this, and these dogs usually do not outgrow this problem.

What is the prognosis for the disease? Many pets are prone to anal gland disease. Some breeds of dogs, such as Poodles, commonly have problems. Overweight dogs tend not to do well with their anal glands draining and often have recurrent problems. This is one reason why weight control is important in pets especially with this issue. If a dog has several episodes of anal gland disease, the anal glands can be removed surgically. Surgery can be challenging and not all veterinarians are comfortable with the procedure. Because these glands are virtually unused, there is no loss to the dog. Gland removal is a permanent solution to a persistent problem.

About the Author: I am a small animal veterinarian who has been practicing in Georgia for the last 9 years. I have recently started a blog called The Animal Doctor Blog which I share information regarding pet health and product reviews on various pet products. Check out my blog at

anmldrblog.com

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