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. (Picture supplied by Hills®) 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. There are several brands available at your local veterinary clinic, Waltham® have a High Fiber® diet for dogs, and Hills w/d® for dogs and cats.

Copyright © 2000

Efo-Earth Publications