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Anal Sacculectomy in Cats
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
- 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.
- The surgeon will make the initial incision over the anal gland.
- The diseased gland will then be separated from the anal sphincters before it is removed.
- The surgeon may or may not choose to remove the other anal sac, even if it is healthy, to prevent future disease.
- 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
Tabby
Two Years
1 found this helpful
1 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
1 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
Two Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Runny Poop.
Bump on cats butthole
July 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 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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Calico
Cordelia
3 Years
10 found this helpful
10 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bleeding
Anal Leakage
Over the past several months i have noticed that from time to time Cordelia has some fluid or mucus leaking from her anus. It wasn't very often, and she didn't seem to be too bothered by it. At some point recently it started getting more and more frequent and longer lasting. Sometimes the mucus was greenish like boogers, or brownish like feces. I've even seen it almost completely clear. When the mucus started looking bloody i took her to the vet, who expressed her anal glands (which were apparently quite backed up). He gave her some de-worming pills and some antibiotics and sent us on our way.
The problem has not resolved itself. Her anal leaking is just as frequent, and almost always a fairly thick mucus and bloody. Does this sound like a problem with her glands? Or could it be something else in her digestive tract? As i mentioned, not only does the leaking not seem to be bothering her, but i dont think she notices that its happening. Which is quite gross as i find little drops on the floor and atop the bed where she usually sleeps.
Sept. 6, 2018
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domestic short hair
Ace
4 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Peeing All Over House
Will anal glad removal help a cat stop peeing on my rugs? He had bladder stones removed, and has been ok since that surgery. But keeps peeing on the rugs in the house. An occasional random item and on the carpet too. I love this cat but this is ridiculous. I have 4 cats and 4 liter boxes. I keep them clean, plus I bought pheromone plug ins and has wearing a pheromone collar. HELP!!!
July 23, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
It can be difficult to stop a cat from urinating in inappropriate places once they have learned to do so. It was probably painful for Ace when he had the bladder stones, and he may have learned that the litter box hurt. It would be a good idea to check and make sure that he doesn't still have a bladder infection, with his history, and if his veterinarian doesn't see any signs of infection or abnormal pH, you can try confining him to a room with food, water and a litter box, and gradually increase the amount of space that he is given once he starts using the box again. I hope that all goes well with him.
July 23, 2018
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Calico
Socks
7 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sprays Every Time
My cat is spraying everything, My stereo speakers, peeing on the floor in my studio, we got a covered cat box so when he does it there it is contained. He seems to do this every time he pees. Is it possible and or ethical to remove this gland if there is no disease? Oh he also has destroyed every nice couch and dining room furniture in the house.
June 12, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
There isn't a gland that you can remove that will stop a cat from urinating. If Socks isn't neutered, that may be one reason that he is doing, this, or he may have a urinary tract problem that needs to be treated. It would be a good idea to have him seen by a veterinarian to make sure that there isn't something medically wrong, and discuss other treatment for him, since a veterinarian will be able to get a more thorough history and exam for him.
June 12, 2018
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Female
Luna
3 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Discomfort
I was doing laundry when I heard a loud meow coming from my brother's room I went to go see what was going on. When I saw stuffing coming out of my cat's butthole I pulled and pulled but it didn't come out and we had to go digging through her butthole . To detach it from her intestines.
Calico
Pumpkin
4 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Licking At Rectum
My 4 yr old cat Pumpkin has had anal gland problems in the past. The glands themselves are now impacted, and the gland openings are scarred closed. My vet is unable to infuse a steroid inside the gland. Surgery is scheduled in 2 weeks. Pumpkin shows no visible signs of discomfort. I'm very nervous about the surgery, and post operative recovery. I have opted for the surgery, because in the past she has gotten infections , and actually turned into sepsis, spiking a high temp of 106.9, and as a result was hospitalized. I don't want to take any chances for future episodes.
