Anal Sac Disorders in Dogs
Written By Darlene Stott
Published: 05/04/2016Updated: 08/30/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
Anal Sac Disorders in Dogs - Signs, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost
What are Anal Sac Disorders?
The anal glands on both sides of the anus are usually drained naturally when your dog has a bowel movement, but sometimes the fluid becomes too thick to be expressed and it will become impacted (clogged up). After the anal gland has been impacted for a while, it can become infected and swollen. Finally, the infection may cause an abscess that is very painful for your dog. You will need to take your dog to the veterinarian so he can drain and clean the anal gland. The veterinarian will probably give your dog antibiotics in this case. The sooner you get this painful illness treated, the better the outcome will be for both you and your dog. Even though impacted anal glands are not a risk to the health of your dog, they are very uncomfortable and your dog may harm himself trying to clean the area by scooting on the ground. Once the anal glands get inflamed it is painful for your dog to have a bowel movement and he may become constipated. Once the anal sacs become abscessed, your dog is in danger of the infection spreading to the rest of the body.
Disorder of the anal sacs is a common disorder in dogs and it can be caused by several different ailments. Anal sac impaction, infection, and abscess are the three stages of anal sac disorder. It starts out with one or both of your dog’s anal sacs becoming impacted (unable to express fluid), then it becomes infected and swollen, and finally, the infection can cause an abscess which can be very painful. Even though all breeds of dogs are susceptible to this condition, it seems to be seen more in small dogs. Some of those dog breeds are Chihuahua, Dachshund, and the Miniature or Toy Poodle.
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Anal Sac Disorders Average Cost
From 46 quotes ranging from $75 - $2,000
Average Cost
$500
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Symptoms of Anal Sac Disorders in Dogs
  • Scooting on the floor
  • Excessive licking or biting of the affected area
  • Pain during bowel movement
  • Brown or red spots on your floor
  • Bad smell from your dog (in the rear end) that gets worse with each stage
  • Swelling and redness in the anal area
 Types
These are not separate illnesses, but different stages of the same disorder:
  • Anal sac impaction
  • Infection
  • Abscess
Causes of Anal Sac Disorders in Dogs
The causes of anal sac disorder vary, but the most common cause is the inflammation of the anal ducts. This is more common in older and obese dogs because their anal glands do not empty as well as they should. Once your dog has had an anal sac impaction, it may recur, and with every incidence, the ducts will be more damaged so the problem will happen more often until it becomes chronic.
Diagnosis of Anal Sac Disorders in Dogs
Your veterinarian will need a complete medical background, including any recent illnesses or injuries, changes in diet or behavior, when the anal sac problem started, and if it has gotten worse. A thorough physical examination will be done, which includes body temperature, weight, heart rate, and blood pressure. The veterinarian will do a rectal examination and if it is the anal sac that is causing the problem, he will be able to notice it right away. Some tests they may recommend to rule out other illnesses are complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistry panel, urinalysis and a fecal examination. They may also need to take radiographs (x-rays) to be sure there are no tumors or other issues causing the anal sac disorder.
Treatment of Anal Sac Disorders in Dogs
The veterinarian can empty the anal sacs by gently using his finger to push up on the gland starting at the bottom to squeeze out the material. If the glands are infected, he will likely flush them out with saline or a softening solution to remove the hardened material. In the case of anal gland abscesses, your veterinarian may lance them and prescribe one or two weeks of antibiotics. Your dog will most likely be put under anesthesia or sedation for any treatment because they are painful and your dog will already be in enough pain. Antibiotics and hot compresses may be required for treatment of the abscesses after the glands are emptied. The veterinarian may want you to come back weekly to empty the sacs again and may then prescribe a topical steroid and antibiotic ointment.
If the problem continues to happen the veterinarian may suggest surgery to remove the anal glands, which will stop the problem permanently. There is a risk of fecal incontinence (not being able to control his bowel movements) with this surgery.
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Recovery of Anal Sac Disorders in Dogs
After treatment, you will need to use warm compresses on your dog twice a day for 15 to 20 minutes for about 7 to 10 days to relieve pain and swelling. Be sure to give your dog any diet that your veterinarian will suggest to make it easier for your dog to have a bowel movement. Your veterinarian may also prescribe a stool softener if he thinks it is necessary. Be sure to follow all instructions and return to the office for the follow-up visit.
Anal Sac Disorders Average Cost
From 46 quotes ranging from $75 - $2,000
Average Cost
$500
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Anal Sac Disorders Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
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Chihuahua
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11 years
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32 found this helpful

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32 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Pain Swelling In Anal Area
My baby can't sit properly and finds it hard to find a comfortable position. He won't let you touch near his bum area and it seems like he's limping
Oct. 29, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
32 Recommendations
I'm sorry to hear this. There are a few possibilities here but a couple of the main ones we would need to rule out would be: -An anal gland abscess (these can be very painful) -A tumour -A hip/pelvis issue such as arthritis He needs to see a vet who can examine him from nose to tail and determine why he is so uncomfortable. Treatment will depend on what is going on but I would have him see right away as he sounds very unhappy right now.
Oct. 30, 2020
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Chihuahua
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Six Years
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29 found this helpful

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29 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Ruptured Anal Sac
Hello, I just took my chihuahua to the emergency vet because her anal gland ruptured. It was clipped, cleaned and flushed. She’s currently taking medication; clavamox antibiotic and carprofen for pain. It’s been a day since the incident and she still hasn’t pooped and I think she’s constipated. What kind of appt. do I have to set up? Should I give it a day or 2 more to see if things change? She’s never had issues like this before and I’m really scared and just don’t know how to best deal with this.
Sept. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
29 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. If she is not straining, it may be fine to monitor her for a normal bowel movement. If more than 48 hours has gone by with no bowel movement, or she is straining to defecate, then it would be best to have her seen by your veterinarian for a normal examination appointment. I hope that she is doing well.
Oct. 7, 2020
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Minature schnauzer
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dog-age-icon
Twelve Years
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2 found this helpful

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2 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Tarry Stool.His Anus Is Swollen And Has Didfficulty Pooing
Could this make his back legs weak?
Sept. 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get treatment if needed.
Oct. 14, 2020
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Chihuahua
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dog-age-icon
Three Years
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22 found this helpful

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22 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Crying
In the past few days Kersh refused to jump on couches and the bed, that night he also hide under the bed, cried, and didn’t sleep much. We took him into the vet and they expressed his glands. 1 morning later, he was crying again so we gave him the meds the vet gave us - vetprofen, and he seemed fine later that day. A day later and we tried to take him on a walk and he started crying again. Is it normal for dogs to be in this much pain after getting their glands expressed?? I do know my dog is very sensitive near his butthole region.
Aug. 14, 2020
Answered by Jessica N. DVM
22 Recommendations
Hello- Thank you for your question. Sometimes if the anal glands are inflamed it can be quite uncomfortable. Other possibilities would be neck or back or abdominal pain causing his discomfort. I would recommend continuing to give the pain medication your vet prescribed. If he isn’t improving in the next couple of days I would recommend scheduling a recheck for him. I hope he feels better soon.
Aug. 14, 2020
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Dachshund
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dog-age-icon
Five Years
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9 found this helpful

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9 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Does Not Want To Jump
Hello, my 5 year old dachshund has recently started to not like jumping up on to things (not that he did it in abundance before, I know it is bad). He would usually jump up onto the couch or bed to lay with me but the last 2 days has not been able to. He will set his front paws up and wait to be hoisted. He does not seem to be in severe pain, maybe mild discomfort. He is walking fine, able to hold head/tail up, defecating, and seems maybe 90% himself in attitude. I am able to move all his legs without causing pain and nothing seems obviously wrong with his back. Any advice would be appreciated
July 29, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
9 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Dachshunds are very prone to back disease, and this could be the first sign of a problem. It would be best to have him examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible, as he may need medications to prevent further injury. In the meantime, it would be best to not let him jump up or down off of furniture or stairs, and lift him gently instead. I hope that he is okay.
July 30, 2020
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Pit bull
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Izzy
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4 Years
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Anal Glands Rupture
So my female dog had her glands ruptured about 1.5 years ago. Had to be put under and flushed. Finally healed. Now 1.5 years later again the same anal gland has ruptured. Due to Covid-19 I have to wait 2 days to be seen at our vet. I'm nervous about having the surgery to have the glands removed as the vet said she would leak poop all over. I hate watching her go thru this and it's costly and keeps reoccurring. Please help?! Have you had the sacs removed?
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Belgian Malinois
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Maya
dog-age-icon
2 Years
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Scooting Licking Bum Fishy Smell
My dog has been scooting, not frequently but sometimes she licks her bum which then results in the foul odor. I’ve tried to express her glands but find it hard to do, and also nothing comes out. She eats normal and is very playful. Her stool used to be soft but not anymore since I changed her food. Now I feed her Kirkland signature dog food healthy weight dog formula. Also, I have been giving her for two months Zesty paws probiotic bites. The symptoms don’t seem to go away. Her bum also looks normal no redness or swelling. Doesn’t seem to have trouble pooping either. I have been applying a warm compress for two days since I read that it helps encourage natural drainage. Are these symptoms maybe due to anal gland impaction?
Anal Sac Disorders Average Cost
From 46 quotes ranging from $75 - $2,000
Average Cost
$500
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