Anal Sacculectomy in Cats

Anal Sacculectomy in Cats - Conditions Treated, Procedure, Efficacy, Recovery, Cost, Considerations, Prevention

What is Anal Sacculectomy?

Anal sacculectomy is a surgical procedure which is primarily used to treat anal sac disease. There are two anal sacs, also called glands, in cats. These sacs are responsible for producing and secreting fluids which are used to mark the cat’s territory. Prior to their widespread domestication, it was important for cats to mark their territory as a way to fend off predators. Today, there is less of a need to do this, so these glands are underused. This can cause these fluids to accumulate in the glands, contributing to impaction, infection, and disease. Anal sacculectomy, or surgical removal of the anal gland(s), can cure these problems in cats.

Anal Sacculectomy Procedure in Cats

  1. The cat will first be anesthetized, shaved, and prepped for surgery. Cats may be given epidural anesthesia and other pain management medications during surgery to manage pain.
  2. The surgeon will make the initial incision over the anal gland.
  3. The diseased gland will then be separated from the anal sphincters before it is removed.
  4. The surgeon may or may not choose to remove the other anal sac, even if it is healthy, to prevent future disease.
  5. The surgeon will ensure the entire affected anal gland has been removed and that no damage to the anal sphincters or rectum has occurred before using absorbable sutures to close the surgical site underneath the skin.

Efficacy of Anal Sacculectomy in Cats

Anal sacculectomy is typically curative of anal sac disease in cats. The prognosis for anal sacculectomy in cases of cancer may be more guarded depending on the type and severity of the cancer. Additional treatments, including medication, chemotherapy and radiation treatment, may also be required for cats diagnosed with cancer of the anal gland.

Anal Sacculectomy Recovery in Cats

Antibiotics and analgesics will be prescribed following surgery. Owners should replace normal litter with pellets to avoid postoperative contamination of the surgical site. Cats that have undergone anal sacculectomy will need to wear an Elizabethan collar to ensure they do not irritate the surgical site. Postoperative swelling is usually minimal, but if owners notice any abnormalities around the surgical site, such as pus, swelling, or bleeding, they should contact their trusted veterinary professional immediately.

Cost of Anal Sacculectomy in Cats

The cost of anal sacculectomy will vary based on costs of living and additional costs incurred, including medications. The cost of anal sacculectomy typically ranges from $750 to $2,500.

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Cat Anal Sacculectomy Considerations

When performed by an expert, the chance of postoperative complications is minimal. However, postoperative complications are possible. Most surgeons prefer to leave the healthy gland intact, as removal of both glands can result in fecal incontinence. It is also possible that cats will lose some control over their bowels following surgery. Most often, this is a temporary problem that will resolve shortly after surgery. Hemorrhage, infection, incontinence, recurrence of cancerous masses, and rupture of the surgical site are also potential postoperative complications.

If part of the anal sac has remained following surgery, abscess or chronic draining may result. Sometimes, the surgeon may accidentally nick the rectum, which can result in a fistula that will not heal. However, these complications rarely occur, especially when the procedure is performed by a professional.

Anal Sacculectomy Prevention in Cats

Anal sac disease is not usually chronic or recurring. However, chronic anal sac disease is more common in obese cats. Owners can decrease their obese cat’s chance of developing anal sac disease by feeding cats a diet high in fiber.

Anal Sacculectomy Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals

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Tabby

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Two Years

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2 found this helpful

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2 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Anal Gland Excessive Secreting
What doctors are available in miami florida that can perform a anal glad tie for a cat

Sept. 24, 2020

Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM

2 Recommendations

Thank you for your question. You would need to ask your primary veterinarian to see who is able to perform that surgery, as I do not know the veterinarians in Miami They would be able to refer you to a specialist if needed.

Oct. 24, 2020

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American Short Hair

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dog-age-icon

Two Years

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1 found this helpful

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1 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Runny Poop.
Bump on cats butthole

July 27, 2020

Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM

1 Recommendations

Thank you for your question. Your cat may have a problem with parasites, anal glands, or a growth of some kind. Without being able to examine your cat, it isn't possible to say what might be going on exactly, and if your cat is also having diarrhea, it would be best to have them seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. They will be able to examine your cat, see what might be going on, and get treatment if needed. I hope that all goes well for your cat!

July 27, 2020

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