Anal Gland Problems
My dog has
had a problem with the sacks in her anus. They keep filling up. My vet
has drained the sacks many times. The vet suggested we have them removed.
What is wrong with my dog that this is happening to her? And what will
the surgery actually do?
All dogs have anal glands. These are a pair of grape-sized sacks just inside the opening to a dog's anus. They lubricate the anus, and provide a scent. Wild canines use scents in feces and urine to mark territorial boundaries. Domestic dogs have retained the scents and the behaviors associated with them. The anal glands normally secret their fluid through ducts to the surface. Infections, trauma and irritation damage these ducts. Repeated damage may cause the ducts to be partially or totally blocked. Blocked anal gland ducts cause the glands to enlarge, inflame and become painful. A vicious cycle is created, for the more they become blocked, the more likely they will become blocked again. When the doctor expresses the anal glands, pressure is applied to the gland, blowing out the blockage. The exudate with chunks of feces is then collected into the glove and disposed. Most dogs have normally functioning anal glands, and never need them manually expressed or drained.
A dog with blocked anal glands may walk hunched, have difficulty defecating, or seem constipated. He or she may drag or scoot the anus on the carpet as if to scratch a painful itch on the area under the tail. Some dogs lick their anus excessively when they have problems. Most dogs never have anal gland problems. Some dogs have recurring monthly blocked glands.
Dogs do not need anal glands to defecate properly, and scent marking is not necessary for pets. The anal glands can safely be removed surgically. Removal will provide permanent relief for your dog. Following surgery, dogs may be incontinent for several weeks, until the anal sphincter muscles regain strength. The occasional blockage is not serious. Repeated or severe anal gland blockages warrant surgical intervention.
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