Anal Glands and Anal Gland Disease in Dogs
These Glands Frequently Cause Irritation and Even Disease for Dogs
Jun 3, 2009
Anal gland problems are one of the most frequent issues experienced by dogs. Anal glands disease can cause irritation, itchiness, scooting and even infection in affected dogs.
What are Anal Glands?
Anal glands are two sacs which are located on either side of the rectum of the dog (and cat) at roughly the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock position.
Anal glands are lined with cells which secrete a liquid material into the sac. The liquid material is normally expressed from the anal glands when a dog has a bowel movement. These glands serve no useful purpose for the dog. They are simply part of the dog's normal anatomy.
Anal Gland Disease in Dogs
In many cases, the contents of the anal glands are not expressed normally when the dog moves his bowels. When this happens and the anal glands start to fill with fluid, the anal glands begin to become uncomfortable for the dog. Symptoms most commonly seen at this point are scooting and/or licking excessively at the anal region. Occasionally, an affected dog may become uncomfortable enough to begin acting abnormally. The dog may become irritable and even lethargic. The tail may be held at an abnormal angle or tucked under the body.
If intervention does not occur, the liquid in the anal glands may begin to thicken and eventually may become a thick dark-colored material which fills the anal glands.
Left untreated, anal glands may also become infected, may abscess and may even rupture, resulting in a draining tract and open wound near the rectum.
Treating Anal Gland Disease in Dogs
In the early stages of anal gland disease, when there is simply an increase in the amount of fluid in the glands which has not been expressed, manual expression of the glands may be the only treatment necessary. Manual expression can be done externally or internally.
- External manual expression involves squeezing the area on either side of the anus to milk the fluid out of the glands. The anal gland opening is present at the juncture between the anus and the skin on either side of the rectum and when expressed properly, the fluid from the glands will be visible exiting through the opening.
- Internal manual expression involves inserting a finger inside of the rectum of the dog and milking the fluid from the anal glands between two fingers, one inside the rectum and one outside. As with the external method, fluid will be visible exiting the anal gland openings when expression is done successfully.
Even if the material is thickened, it may still be possible to milk the material out of the anal glands by using the methods above.
Pet owners are often uncomfortable performing these procedures by themselves and often need to seek help from a groomer or from a veterinarian to express the anal glands properly.
Infection of the Anal Glands and Anal Gland Abscesses in Dogs
Dogs which have infected anal glands or abscessed anal glands need to be seen by their veterinarian. These dogs will need to be placed on antibiotics. The veterinarian may elect to give antibiotics systemically or may elect to instill antibiotics directly into the infected anal gland, depending on the individual situation and severity of the disease. It may also be necessary to flush the infected anal gland or anal glands after draining the infected gland or glands as well.
Besides antibiotics, dogs with infected or abscessed anal glands may also need pain medication or medication to help reduce inflammation within the anal glands. The veterinarian will help the pet owner decide on the best course of treatment based on the condition of the individual dog.
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