What is Anal Gland Cancer?
The anal glands are small sacs found on either side of the anal opening of your dog. The lining of the sacs produces a small amount of liquid, which is eliminated each time your dog defecates. The development of a tumor in this area can be significant; even with the presence of a small growth there is the definite possibility that the tissues will be invaded and the cancer will spread (metastasize). In some cases, the tumor can cause hypercalcemia (elevated blood calcium), leading to kidney failure.
Apocrine Gland Adenocarcinoma is the scientific name for anal gland cancer, a relatively uncommon but serious form of malignant tumor. More common is the blockage, infection or impaction of the anal sac. An annual visit to the veterinarian to check your pet’s general health, which will include a rectal examination, is the best way to detect a tumor from the onset.Anal Gland Cancer Average Cost
From 13 quotes ranging from $400 - $8,000
Average Cost
$4,000
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Symptoms of Anal Gland Cancer in Dogs
An anal gland tumor is not always obvious to the eye as the tumor may be growing inward. If your dog has an anal gland tumor, he may present some or all of these symptoms:
- Scooting his hind end along the ground
- Licking of the perianal area
- A lump beside the anus
- Straining and displaying difficulty passing feces
- Blood in the stool
Apocrine Gland Adenocarcinoma may lead to kidney failure due to elevated blood calcium which may present as follows:
- The increased need to drink
- Frequent urination
- Vomiting
- Muscle weakness
Causes of Anal Gland Cancer in Dogs
As we find in humans, the cause of cancer is not always easily discovered. We do know that cancer found in the anal gland is diagnosed equally in male and female dogs. This type of cancer is most often found in dogs of medium to middle age. Reports have shown that spaniel breeds are found to be at increased risk for Apocrine Gland Adenocarcinoma.
Diagnosis of Anal Gland Cancer in Dogs
At the start of the examination, the veterinarian will ask you to describe the concerning symptoms and behaviors that you are noticing in your pet. Be certain to carefully explain every sign of discomfort that you may have noticed. This will help the veterinarian to reach an accurate diagnosis. A physical exam will also take place, at which time the veterinarian may discover a mass or lump in the perianal area.
If a tumor is found, the veterinarian may need to aspirate (insert a needle) into the mass to distinguish between cancerous cells and infection. This is the biopsy, and is often performed when your pet is awake or under a very quick acting injectable sedation. Blood tests, to assess the overall health of your dog as well as verify the presence of kidney trouble, will be performed. In addition, x-rays and ultrasound may be necessary in order to evaluate the lymph nodes and organs (such as kidneys, heart and lungs).
Treatment of Anal Gland Cancer in Dogs
Early detection of anal gland cancer in dogs is best followed with aggressive treatment.
Surgery is the first option. If the tumor was discovered in the early stages and the spread to lymph nodes is limited, complete removal of the tumor is desirable. This provides the best possible outcome for your dog. The tumor is removed through an incision directly at the site of the mass. Large tumors may necessitate removal of additional tissue surrounding the mass. In 50% of the canine cases of Apocrine Gland Adenocarcinoma, enlarged lymph nodes are found in the abdomen. They can be removed at the same time as the primary tumor.
Chemotherapy may be the recommended second step, in order to prevent the spread of the disease. Radiation may be required also, particularly in cases where complete surgical removal cannot be realized. You may decide to have your veterinarian use the surgical approach only; however, the best way to improve the life expectancy of your dog will be with the additional treatments of chemotherapy and radiation. This is a conversation to have with your veterinarian, as each situation is different.
If your pet has hypercalcemia, calcium lowering drugs and prednisone along with intravenous care, will be necessary prior to surgery.
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Recovery of Anal Gland Cancer in Dogs
Veterinary follow up is crucial to the continued health of your pet. Patients of anal gland cancer surgery and drug therapy require return visits to the clinic every 3 months for a period of 18 months. Biannual visits are important for the duration of your dog’s life.
Immediate care after surgery will involve your dog wearing an Elizabethan collar to prevent the tearing or infecting of the wound due to licking. Stool softening medication may be prescribed, and you will be instructed to limit the activity of your dog for a minimum of two weeks.
Fecal incontinence may be present in the weeks following surgery, but in most cases the problem will gradually be resolved. Continued kidney issues are a possibility which may necessitate a prescription for blood calcium reduction. The outcome of anal gland cancer depends greatly on your pet’s overall health and the size of the tumor upon discovery.
Cost of Anal Gland Cancer in Dogs
The veterinarian will likely want to do a complete tumor removal, surgically ($1,500-$3,800). The veterinarian may combine surgery with chemotherapy ($1,000 per treatment) to best avoid more growths throughout the body. If the tumor has spread to the lymph nodes or is rather large then complete surgical removal may not be an option. Radiation therapy ($2,000-$6,000) will likely be the best option to combat a large tumor that would be dangerous to remove. If your dog has been diagnosed with hypercalcemia, this will need to be treated before surgery. Treatment can consist of calcium lowering drugs, Prednisone ($40 per 100ct.) as well as, the use of intravenous fluid therapy ($40-$60).
Anal Gland Cancer Average Cost
From 13 quotes ranging from $400 - $8,000
Average Cost
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Top
Anal Gland Cancer Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Jack Russell Terrier
Chicko
12 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Yawning
Dehydration,
Has Cushings
Leaking Gland Scent
Chic diagnosed with anal gland cancer a month ago, enlarged sublumbar nodes and after doing all my research and everything she's been through & it being around 4cm, I decided God will finally be getting her (he's tried all year) she has cushings in the pituitary too (diagnosed jan) also excellent pain tolerance, has had a ruptured cruciate since feb (due to her health inbetween, cushings & pancreatitis, mass inside was found before cruciate surgery (so everything's not happening :( )
I think my baby is near her end but I'm really not sure and need advice. The last thing I want is her gone but when she is in to much pain I will do the best for her (I will be euthanising)
This last week she has not been herself. But she's still full of life as soon as I pick up the car keys.
For the last 48hrs she's been drinking water again but for 4 days before - she wouldn't touch water at all. I watered down some shredded chicken in pumpkin puree to get her some water, and she ate it but didn't want too. Her appetite won't go. That's cushings I'm sure. She would drink milk selectively. She wasn't well. At all. And I was almost ready to. But then after the cpl of days with the milk and chicken pumpkin, she's drinking water herself. She even barked today and wagged her tail at me while we were outside soaking up the sun. She hasn't done that for a while.
I no she's uncomfy. At night it takes her a few positions to get comfy but then she'll move and keep moving. She's done that for a while so I'm not sure if cushings is a part of that or it's the tumour. From the research I've done. It says, with no treatment. 1-2 months. I'm at 1 month now.
She's been exessivley yawning all week and I can see her lil legs getting a little shaky. She's grinds her teeth every now and then (she's done that since the cruciate) and she's always had feet issues (had to lick/chew)
My question is. I know she's overall not going to get better. Oh yes sorry, she's also had over the last year haeamangiosarcomas and mast cell tumors cut out Cos they started growing excessively on her tummy. 2 the vets were worried about. She's got them back and lumps and bumps everywhere.
Do dogs go through up and down periods of feeling good then feeling bad?
She's also had to have help with her scent glands expressed since dec. the lump was first noted then (by a vet who I didn't see again) and even though it's been the same vet expressing her glands all year - only seem to of noticed it last month. So she's either lied or its grew that fast. Chics scent gland is currently really smelling. And when I pick it up, it's on my hands so I'm worried they've either blocked up or are about to explode or something on her as well.
Chic has also had bad breath all year but over them days when she wasn't drinking. It smelt like something rotten. It doesn't smell rotten now (not since she's been drinking again)
So, after all ^ I just want and need to know- if she's in pain and hiding it from me or how long until she's in full pain / how long have I got with her.
She's almost 13. So she's my baby.
She's still peeing and pooing. over the week has gone #2 almost everyday (soft due to actilax- which I've stopped but will restart)
I'm really worried for her pain wise. She's clearly pretty tough but she doesn't deserve any pain but I can't just take her life from her while she's still got the life in her.
Help me please
Aug. 10, 2018
1 Recommendations
It is never easy to answer questions like this, you should keep in mind that dogs are quite stoic and don’t show their suffering until the very end; however we do see changes in behaviour, less activity, less affection among other signs that life is becoming more difficult or painful for Chicko. Given all that has happened over the past year or so, I can say that she is certainly a tough cookie; you should continue to keep a close eye on her, but when evaluating her determine the number of good and bad days without putting too much emphasis on the few good days over more bad days (if this is the case). Speak with your Veterinarian about Chicko’s condition and get their input. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 10, 2018
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mixed terrier
Blitzen
14 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Fatigue
Excessive Thirst
Panting
Tumor
Muscle Loss
Thyroid
Cushings
My 14 year old dog has a tumor on 1 of his anal glands the size of a pea. He also has other health issues such as thyroid and cushings, and severe arthritis. We give him medications daily for these things. Our doctor recommended surgery but I don't want to put him through this considering his age and other health issues. My question is what signs should I look for to know when it is time to let him go? He was a rescue which I have had since he was 4 months old and has been a dedicated companion. I just want to make sure he is comfortable.
Aug. 9, 2018
0 Recommendations
Surgery would be the treatment of choice and your Veterinarian wouldn’t recommend it unless they thought Blitzen would benefit in the long term; however it is a case of observing for changes in behaviour and more importantly if there are changes in defection (pain, vocalisation, ribbon like stool etc…). There is no set signs to look for, just monitor and check in regularly with your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 10, 2018
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American Cocker Spaniel
Chopper
11 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Accessive Drinking,
Accessive Panting
Larger Appetite
Hi, I have an 11 1/2 year old American Cocker Spaniel. He was just diagnosed with anal cancer with the mass being 2 inches . They wanted me to do an ultrasound for $700.00 to see if it had spread elsewhere but with his age and the fact we can feel lumps elsewhere, tells me it has already spread.They said his Calcium might be up but that test is also a lot of money and with a time frame of 1-8 months it was hard to spend more. His liver function is through the roof with his ALP at 609 , ALT at 120 and his platet count is 483 . What signs should I be looking for before I call to have him go to doggy heaven and should I try thistle milk to help with the Liver ? I also have a 4 1/2yr old English Springer Spaniel who is high anxiety and will crumble when Chopper goes. I've heard it's best to have the other animal in the room as they go. I've heard they understand what is going on and know there is no heart beat.I also want to know if CBD oil would help with pain . We were told some symptoms would develope.
I just want to make sure he is in no pain or distress
Aug. 1, 2018
1 Recommendations
It is difficult to say specifically what signs would present as each animal is different; generally we look at overall health and welfare of an animal to determine whether they have a good quality of life or not. You could start giving an over the counter product like Denamarin (silybin and SAMe) which contains milk thistle among other things for liver health but you should consult with your Veterinarian first. There is mixed opinion about having your Spaniel with Chopper when it is time, but it wouldn’t hurt. As for CBD oil, there are many claims online about its magic effects, but I have little reputable data on this so I would consult your Veterinarian about this as Chopper is under their care. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 2, 2018
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pitand chow
patch
15 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Not Urinating Or Deficating
have a 15 year old pit and chow mix. vet said he has anal cancer don't have the funds for surgery or treatments. and got to were he don't eat cannot hardly walk without falling over.cannot urinate or deficate at all so should I just have him put down. know it might sound like a stupied question but he is a big part of my family.but don't want him to suffer no more.
July 29, 2018
0 Recommendations
You need to look at Patch’s quality of life and determine whether it is a life that is worth living, normally I don’t recommend euthanasia but based on the information in your question I think it is something you should consider and visit your Veterinarian for a discussion. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 30, 2018
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Goldendoodle
Simon
6 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Anal Discharge
My Simon is a 6yr old goldendoodle. Brought him to vet yesterday for yearly vaccines. Simon has had some irritation and oozing from the rectum for the last week or so, never had this issue before. I ask the vet to express anal glands. When he examined Simon, he quickly said that he couldn't do it as there was a very long and hard mass a little bigger then a golf ball. He looked quite concerned and called in his colleague who also examined Simon. Mass is large and very hard on the right side of the rectum. They suggested I go see an internal medicine specialist to explore option. Neither of the Doctors looked hopeful and both agreed that this was "very bad". Simon shows no symptoms apart from a bit of oozing, no odor. Eats, plays and poops as he always does. Specialist appointment on Monday. Given the size and density of the mass and the concerned vets, what are my options? From what they were saying, surgery at this point may not help. I'm not sure what to do. I will see specialist. If I choose not to do the surgery, chemo, etc., what can I expect to see with Simon? Pain, rupture? Life expectancy? So horribly frightened for him.
July 20, 2018
0 Recommendations
It is a large mass for the area and it is surprising that no other symptoms have presented yet based on size and location; the Specialist will determine whether it is worthwhile to operate or not but without at a minimum a fine needle aspiration we don’t fully know what the specific type of tumour would be. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 21, 2018
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Anal Gland Cancer Average Cost
From 13 quotes ranging from $400 - $8,000
Average Cost
$4,000
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
