Many dog owners have witnessed their pet dragging their bottom across the floor. This is a common sign that often indicates anal gland issues. These small sacs located on either side of your dog’s anus can become impacted, causing discomfort and potential health problems if left untreated.
Understanding when dog anal glands need attention is crucial for their comfort and wellbeing. If you notice any concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with Alicia Pacific Veterinary Center for professional evaluation and treatment.
Understanding Dog Anal Gland Function
Dog anal glands, also called anal sacs, are two small pouches located between the internal and external anal sphincter muscles on either side of your dog’s anus. These glands produce a smelly liquid that contains your dog’s pheromones. It serves as a territorial marker and method of identification among canines.
When your dog defecates, the pressure from the stool passing through the rectum naturally compresses these glands. It then releases small amounts of the secretion onto the feces, marking it with your dog’s distinct scent signature.
3 Common Problems in Dog Anal Glands
Anal Sac Impaction
Anal gland impaction occurs when the ducts that release the anal gland fluid becomes clogged or narrowed, preventing natural gland expression. This causes the secretions to build up in the anal sacs, leading to distension and discomfort for your dog.
Signs of Impacted Dog Anal Glands Are:
- Scooting behavior (dragging their bottom across the floor)
- Excessive licking or biting at the anal area
- Difficulty sitting comfortably
- Mild discomfort when the base of the tail is touched
- Occasional strong foul odor without visible discharge
Anal Gland Infections
When impacted anal glands remain full for extended periods, bacteria can multiply within the trapped secretions, leading to infection (anal sacculitis). The infection causes inflammation of the gland tissue and produces abnormal secretions. This condition is significantly more painful than simple impaction and requires prompt veterinary attention.
Common Signs of Infected Dog Anal Glands Include:
- More frequent and intense scooting behavior
- Visible redness and swelling around the anus
- Persistent strong odor
- Discolored discharge (yellow, greenish, or bloody)
- Pain when sitting or defecating
- Reluctance to have the tail or rear area touched
Abscess
An anal gland abscess represents the most severe progression of anal gland issues. When infection goes untreated, pus builds up in the gland, creating pressure until eventually the gland ruptures either externally through the skin or internally into surrounding tissues. This is extremely painful and requires immediate medical intervention to prevent systemic infection and provide pain relief.
Symptoms of an Abscess in Dog Anal Glands Include:
- Severe pain and discomfort
- Visible swelling that may appear as a protruding lump near the anus
- Fever and lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Open, draining wound if the abscess has ruptured
- Excessive licking that cannot be redirected
- Crying or yelping when attempting to sit or defecate
How to Conduct a Home Rectal Exam
- Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and put on disposable gloves. Have paper towels ready and choose a location that’s easy to clean, such as a bathroom or laundry room.
- Have someone hold your dog in a standing position or on their side if your dog is comfortable with handling. Small dogs can be wrapped in a towel with their rear exposed.
- Look for any signs of redness, swelling, or discharge around the anus. Dog anal glands are located at approximately the 4 and 8 o’clock positions.
- Gently place your thumb and forefinger on either side of the anus (wearing gloves) and very lightly feel for hardened, enlarged, or tender areas that might indicate full dog anal glands. Do not apply pressure.
- Note if your dog shows signs of pain or discomfort during your examination, which can indicate inflammation or infection.
- A strong, fishy smell often indicates full or infected dog anal glands, even without visible discharge.
- Continue to observe your dog for scooting, excessive licking, or difficulty sitting which might indicate anal gland issues despite no obvious physical signs.
When to Seek Veterinary Intervention
Knowing when to consult a veterinarian about your dog’s anal gland issues is crucial for preventing more serious complications. While some minor impactions might resolve with dietary changes, many anal gland problems require professional attention. Never attempt to express severely impacted, infected, or abscessed dog anal glands at home, as this could cause injury and worsen the condition.
- Signs You Need Veterinary Intervention Include:
- Persistent scooting or licking that continues for more than a day or two
- Visible swelling, redness, or discharge around the anal area
- Signs of pain when touching the base of the tail or anal region
- Blood or pus in the stool or around the anus
- Strong, persistent fishy odor from your dog’s rear end
- Difficulty defecating or pain during bowel movements
- Behavioral changes like irritability, lethargy, or loss of appetite
- Fever or other signs of systemic illness
- Open wound or draining abscess near the anal area
- Previous history of recurrent anal gland issues
What Happens During a Professional Anal Gland Expression
- Professional anal gland expression is a relatively quick procedure that can provide immediate relief for your dog. The process removes accumulated anal gland secretions. This relieves pressure and discomfort while allowing the veterinarian to assess the secretions for signs of infection or other abnormalities. This procedure is typically performed as part of a regular wellness visit or specifically when anal gland issues are suspected.
- The veterinarian will first examine your dog’s anal area for signs of inflammation, swelling, or discharge, and may take your dog’s temperature to check for fever.
- Your dog will be positioned either standing or lying down, and the veterinary team will use gloves and lubrication to ensure comfort during the procedure.
- For mild cases, the veterinarian will apply gentle pressure on the outside of the anal area. They squeeze the dog anal glands and express their contents onto a paper towel.
- In cases of firmer impaction, the veterinarian may need to perform an internal anal sac expression. The veterinary staff inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum while applying external pressure to ensure complete emptying of the dog anal glands.
- The veterinarian will examine the expressed material for consistency, color, and odor to determine if infection is present and what treatment might be needed.
- After expression, the area will be cleaned, and the veterinarian may recommend or administer oral antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, or other treatments if infection or inflammation is detected.
- Your veterinarian will discuss preventative measures, including high-quality diet recommendations, regular expression schedules if needed, and signs to watch for in the future.
Conclusion
If you’ve noticed any symptoms of anal gland issues in your dog, don’t wait for them to worsen. Schedule an appointment with Alicia Pacific Veterinary Center today for professional assessment and treatment that will help keep your dog comfortable and healthy.
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