Anal Glands

FAQ.

What Are The Anal Glands?

The anal glands (more properly termed the anal sacs) are two sac-like structures
located just under the skin near the anus. These sacs periodically fill with a
thick, foul smelling secretion known as anal gland secretion (or anal sac
secretion). Under normal circumstances a small amount of this secretion
(discharge) is expelled from the gland each time the pet defecates (meaning to
"go to the bathroom" or "produce stool")
 

What Is The Difference Between The "Anal Glands" And The
"Anal Sacs?"

Technically speaking, "anal sacs" is the proper term for the structures which
house the anal gland secretion while the "anal glands'' are the microscopic
glandular structures, lining the inside of the anal sac, which produce the
secretion itself. In common usage, however, the terms "anal sacs" and "anal
glands" are used interchangeably. Since most of our clients are accustomed to
referring to these structures as "anal glands" this is the term we often use in the
veterinary clinic.
 

Are The Anal Glands A Normal Part Of My Dog's Anatomy?

Yes.
 

Does My Cat Have Anal Glands?

Yes.

Do People Have Anal Glands?

No.
 

What Is The Function Of The Anal Glands?

The anal glands have no known function in the modern world. They are
"vestigial" organs like your appendix) meaning that they once had a function but
as the dog and cat evolved, the anal glands lost that function. The best theory is
that dogs once used the pungent smelling anal gland secretion to mark their
territories in the wild. Wolves and other wild cousins of the dog are known to do
this. Also, dogs will occasionally express (meaning to squeeze secretion out)
their anal glands when they are frightened, so it is thought the secretion could
be intended to have a defensive repellent function.
 

Can My Dog's Anal Glands Sometimes Become Diseased Or
Have Other Problems?

Yes.
 

What Are Some Of The Diseases Or Problems That The Anal
Glands Can Have?

The main problems the anal glands can have are (1) impaction; (2) infection
and abcess; (3) rupture; and (4) tumors.
 

What Is "Impaction" Of The Anal Glands?

This is "plugging-up" or "stopping-up" of the anal glands, with normal secretion.
Sometimes the outlet (called the duct) of the anal gland becomes stopped-up
and the gland fails to empty properly. This usually leads to discomfort (from the
accumulating pressure) and will sometimes lead to infection.
 

How Can I Tell If My Dog Has Impaction Of The Anal Glands?

Though the signs will vary from case to case, common signs are: (1) scooting
on the rear end; (2) licking the region around the anal glands; (3) reluctance
(sometimes) in defecating (often resembling true constipation); and (4)
discomfort (sometimes) when the area is touched. Occasionally, a dog can have
an impaction and not show us any of these signs. Also, these symptoms
(scooting, licking the rear area, etc.) can be signs of other problems on occasion
too (such as worms, skin infection, stool. adhered to the fur, etc.) so it's
important that we examine the patient to determine exactly what the problem
is.
 

How Is Impaction Of The Anal Glands Treated?

In uncomplicated cases, treatment usually consists of digitally (meaning to use
the fingers) squeezing the glands to help them express.
 

Briefly, How Do You Express The Anal Glands?

There are two common methods which can be referred to as the "external" and
"internal" methods. With the external method we express the anal glands by
placing a paper towel (or something similar) against the glands (which can be
felt with the fingers - they feel like "grapes" under the skin) and gently pressing
on them to get them to express. With the other method of expressing the anal
glands, called the "internal" method, we first put a latex exam glove on and
lubricate the index finger with KY jelly. Then the index finger is gently inserted
in the anus and we isolate the gland between the index finger and thumb. Then
we gently squeeze the gland from both sides (inside and outside) to express the
secretion. I personally prefer this method because (for me at least) I can express
more of the secretion from the gland than with the external method.

Can My Groomer Express My Dog's Anal Glands?

Yes. Of course this is up to the individual groomer, but many dog groomers do
provide this service.
 

Can I Learn How To Express My Dog's Anal Glands?

Yes. Although most people have either the veterinarian or the groomer do this,
you can learn to express your dog's anal glands at home. Your regular vet will
be glad to show you how.
 

Briefly, Describe Infection, Abcess, And Rupture Of The
AnalGlands.

Infection of the anal glands is not uncommon especially with chronic impaction.
When one or both of the glands become(s) infected they often will rupture to
the outside and drain, similar to any other abcess. This can be quite painful
when it occurs, but fortunately most patient's anal glands will heal in a short
time (several days).
 

Briefly, How Do You Treat Abscess And Rupture Of The Anal
Glands?

In uncomplicated cases we treat this by cleaning out (flushing) the ruptured anal
gland with antiseptic solution and placing the patient on antibiotics when
indicated. After the ruptured gland has healed over we express it periodically to
try to insure that it's not becoming impacted again.
 

Do Some Dogs Have Chronic Problems With Their Anal Glands?

Yes.
 

What Can Be Done For The Patient Who Has Chronic Problems
With The Anal Glands?

In chronic cases the treatment of choice is usually to remove the glands
surgically in an operation called an anal sacculectomy. Since the anal glands
are vestigial organs, the dog with chronic anal gland problems is better off
without them.
 

What Factors Will Predispose One Patient To Have Problems
With The Anal Glands More Than Other Patients?

The main factors which predispose patients to have problems are (1) small body
size and (2) obesity. Dogs under 20 lbs. have a higher incidence of anal gland
impaction and other anal gland problems than larger dogs. The smaller the dog
is, the more chance of anal gland problems. Tea cup poodles, Chihuahuas, and
Pomeranians have an unusually high incidence of impaction. As with all
generalities, of course, we will see exceptions with many small dogs never
having any anal gland problems and some large dogs occasionally having
severe problems. Overweight dogs also occasionally have a mechanical
problem with getting the glands to express well.
 

What Role Does Diet Play In The Health Of The Anal Glands?

This is controversial. There is some evidence indicating that a diet higher in fat
will cause more anal gland secretion and thicker secretion and therefore more
potential problems but this is not certain. Also, some have advocated a high
fiber diet to increase the frequency and the bulk of the stools, thereby
stimulating the glands to express more often. Here again, no studies as of yet
have conclusively proven this to be of benefit, so dietary approaches are strictly
on a "trial basis".
 

How Can I Lower The Chances Of My Dog Having Anal Gland
Problems?

You should have your dog's anal glands expressed (or express them yourself) as
often as needed. Some dogs never need the anal glands expressed while some
need them expressed as frequently as every couple of weeks. On the average,
dogs under 15 lbs need the anal glands expressed about every couple of
months. It's a good idea to have your groomer express the anal glands along
with routine grooming (or have us do it).