What is Anal Sac Disease?
The anal sacs are located on either side of the anus at the four o’clock and eight o’clock positions. These small pouches store an oily, foul-smelling fluid that is secreted during defecation, but can also be released to mark territorial boundaries and ward off predators. The anal sacs--more appropriately called the anal glands--are sometimes impacted or infected by bacteria. The condition affecting the feline’s anal glands can soon worsen and result in an anal sac abscess or rupture, which requires prompt veterinary attention.
Anal Sac Disease Average Cost
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Average Cost
$800
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Symptoms of Anal Sac Disease in Cats
The symptoms associated with anal sac disease in cats depends on the severity and nature of the problem. In any case, anal sac disease is a painful condition and can make even the gentlest feline display aggression. The first sign a cat owner will notice is scooting, rubbing, licking or biting of the rear portion of the body. As the condition worsens, additional clinical signs can include:
- Scooting of the rump along the ground
- Rubbing or licking the anal area
- Localized pain
- Irritation
- Inflammation
- Swelling
- Redness of the anal tissues
- Bloody discharge from around the anus
- A fishy odor
Causes of Anal Sac Disease in Cats
Anal sac disease in cats can be caused by bacterial infection and/or gland impaction.
Bacteria can infect the anal sacs due to the close proximity of the glands to the anus. Feces naturally contains healthy bacteria from inside the colon, which can travel into the ducts during a bowel movement. The anal sacs do not contain healthy bacteria and soon become infected.
The original purpose of the anal sacs was to allow the feline to mark his/her territory and ward off predators. However, due to the domestication of our felines today, most do not find a need to mark territory and go unthreatened by predators. Therefore, underuse of the glands can lead to an over accumulation of the oily fluids, which impacts the gland. Obese felines are at a high risk for developing anal sac impaction.
Solid stools are required in order for the gland contents to be expelled. Chronic diarrhoea and diets low in fibre can contribute to anal gland disease.
Diagnosis of Anal Sac Disease in Cats
The clinical signs of anal sac disease commonly point the veterinarian in the direction of an anal sac complication. However, intestinal parasites such as the tapeworm, can also cause a few similar symptoms to anal sac disease (scooting and biting or licking of the anal area) and will be ruled out as part of the differential diagnosis. The veterinarian may request a fecal floatation test to rule out parasites, but most anal sac disease cases are detected on physical examination.
Treatment of Anal Sac Disease in Cats
The treatment of anal sac disease in cats depends on whether the problem is caused by impactions or infections, and if the condition has progressed to an abscess or rupture. In all cases, the feline will be prescribed pain management medication for several days not only to alleviate pain, but inflammation and swelling as well.
Anal Sac Impaction
Disease caused by anal sac impaction will need to be manually expressed by a veterinary professional. Anal sac expression may require an anesthetic and is carried out by gently squeezing each sac. The veterinarian, technician, or assistant may complete anal expression as they are trained professional. Anal expression should never be completed at home or by a groomer, trainer, or other unlicensed professional, as anal sac rupture may occur or the gland may not be fully emptied.
Anal Sac Infection
Disease of the anal sacs caused by infection will require expression and antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria. The veterinarian may choose the flush out the infected sacs depending on the specific case at hand.
Anal Sac Abscess
Disease of the anal sacs that has progressed to an abscess will require lancing and flushing the affected area. This procedure will likely require sedation and will be carried out by the veterinarian. Cats should wear buster collars to prevent them over-grooming the irritated area, which can delay healing.
Anal Sac Rupture
Disease of the anal sacs that has cause the glands to rupture requires surgical treatment. The glands may be repaired or removed depending on the specific case at hand. Rupture of the gland is very rare.
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Recovery of Anal Sac Disease in Cats
Anal sac disease in cats that was caused by impaction or infection and did not progress has a very positive outlook. The condition may reoccur, which is why it is important to revisit your veterinarian and discuss prevention methods of anal sac disease in your cat.
Felines that have undergone anal sac surgery may experience a lack of bowel control following surgery. Luckily, this complication is not common. The nerves used to control the muscles surrounding the anal sphincter are manipulated during the surgical process, causing inappropriate defecation while walking, sleeping or laying down. In most cases, this behavior of inappropriate defecation will improve with healing and is only a temporary problem. However, severe rupture cases or abscess that have been left untreated may leave the feline unable to control bowel movements for life.
Anal sac disease can be expensive to treat. To avoid high vet care expenses, secure pet health insurance today. The sooner you insure your pet, the more protection you’ll have from unexpected vet costs.
Anal Sac Disease Average Cost
From 289 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$800
Top
Anal Sac Disease Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
tabby
Jasper
13 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
Fur Loss
Anal Pain
Meowing Excessively
Hello, I found a stray cat yesterday (he approached me)
He was obviously a house cat, so I took him in.
He has been passing diarrhea, and seems to have pain by his anus (he meows out and tries to bite), he's meowing a lot, and i'm noticing patches of fur on the floor from him cleaning himself (not sure if he's ripping his fur out). I've checked his stool, and I am not seeing anything abnormal such as insects or blood, but I know a cat shouldn't have diarrhea (passed with loud farts) I'm not sure if he's been a stray for a significant amount of time, which would explain the diarrhea..but I'm extremely concerned and would like to help without having to deal with vet costs.
Thank you
Aug. 2, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Young cats are commonly affected by parasites, and Jasper may have been eating things that are causing his diarrhea. Since you just found him, a visit to a veterinarian would probably be a good idea, and should not be horribly expensive, to give him a good examination, scan him for a microchip to make sure that he isn't owned, check an fecal sample, and give him vaccines.
Aug. 2, 2018
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Ragdoll
Feebid
18 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bloody Mucus From Anal Sac.
I inherited an 18yo ragdoll cat from an elderly lady who passed few months ago. Two days ago the cat had a bloody mucus coming out from one of her anal sacs (which now stopped). What are the options for a cat of her age?
July 25, 2018
0 Recommendations
Firstly it is important to determine whether there is a mass or another issue in or around the anal gland, without examining Feebid I cannot determine the specific cause or determine a course of action; in a cat of 18 years options will be limited generally with surgery being off the table, but medical management may still be appropriate if available for the underlying cause. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2018
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tabby
Sebastian
5 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Excessive Butt Licking
He started licking his butt excessively about 24 hours ago. He also started squatti g like he was peeing in laundry basket, on floor but not peeing. He won’t lay by me like he usually does and has been hiding behind the couch. Could this be his anal glands or something else?
Thank you,
Sherri
July 9, 2018
0 Recommendations
It sounds like this may be more urinary than gastrointestinal, if Sebastian is having difficulty urinating the irritation may cause him to lick around his back end; I cannot say for certain without examining him but would recommend visiting your Veterinarian if he isn’t passing any urine. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 9, 2018
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Manx
Nial
6 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Pain
Constipation
Anal Leakage
When I got home today my cat had stool stuck to his fur, when I tried removing it from the anus area, she was obviously painful. I took a look, and noticed two white dots where the anal sacs are. I then noticed his stomach seemed tight, and he has not had many normal BM, and am worried about constipation as well as anal gland infection.
July 7, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Cats can become constipated, and can have anal gland problems, for sure. Since Nial seems to be having problems with his bowel movements and anal area, it would be best to have him seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible to have him examined and see what might be causing these problems for him.
July 7, 2018
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tabby
Chocolate
12 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Licking At Anal Area
Dear vet,
3 days ago, I realised that there is white pus coming out from the left side of my cat's anal sac, in addition to a foul smelling odor. I have applied antiseptic cream onto the infected area, twice a day. Although the foul smell have subsided, there is still pus around the left side of the anal sac and the meat around it looks tender.
Is it advisable to bring her to the vet?
June 12, 2018
1 Recommendations
You should take Chocolate into your Veterinarian as it is likely more effective treatment will be needed to treat this which may include medical management but in severe cases surgery may indicated; however your Veterinarian will go over all of this with you during the consult and examination. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 13, 2018
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Oriental Shorthair
Mr. B.
8 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Rupture Every Three Months
My eight-year-old Oriental Shorthair has had repeated ruptures of one of his anal glands. I am not aware of the problem until I notice the raw spot to the right of his anus. Then the area heals over ... until the next time. We are dealing with an episode now, but because he is eating and doesn’t feel as if he has a fever, I am not taking him to the vet. I am, however, leaning toward the surgery to remove the gland.
I understand that he may lose bowel control post-surgery—a terrible prospect. I can’t find any statistics about this. How common is the loss of control in cats the age of mine? Does his breed make a difference? He is naturally very thin but a good eater.
I would be taking him to a soft-tissue specialist.
Maine Coon
Bear
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My Maine Coon Bear has been having scooting issues for months. Her anus is constantly dirty and it drips to her vaginal area. I have to daily clean her butt. Been to the vet and no one knows what to do. She's scooting on EVERYTHING. Helo my stinky butt friend!! Bear has to be miserable.
Anal Sac Disease Average Cost
From 289 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$800
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
