Anal Sac Surgery for Dogs

Function

• Anal sacs serve an important, but varied, function for animals that have them. Most predators have anal sacs, although humans do not. Sometimes called anal glands, they are found on dogs and cats on each side of and slightly below the anus. The sac is below the skin, and a small tube goes from it to an opening next to the anus. The strong smelling spray skunks have comes from their anal sacs. In dogs and cats, a smelly, runny secretion emitted by the sacs is deposited on top of stool to mark territory. Dogs and cats also identify each other by smelling the rear of other animals where the anal sacs are located. Each animal's anal sac secretions have a unique smell.

Problems

• Anal sacs can cause problems in pet dogs. Impactions, abscesses and infections are common issues due to several causes. Sometimes a dog's anal sac ducts did not form properly, or the gland's secretions are too thick. Soft stool can block the duct openings as well. This causes irritation and pain to dogs, who may drag their bottoms or lick their anus frequently. If an anal sac become abscessed, the skin around it is bruised and red. Anal sac tumors can also occur, but this is not common.

Procedure

• Anal sacs that become impacted must be cleaned out by a groomer, veterinarian or the owner. Abscesses must be lanced and drained by a vet, and antibiotics are usually prescribed. However; if anal sac problems become a chronic issue, a veterinarian may recommend removing the glands. Called an "anal sacculectomy," it is considered a simple procedure. The dog is anaesthetized and the glands are emptied of secretions. Two small incisions are made on the dog's rear above the location of the anal sacs. They are removed and each incision receives a few sutures.

Postoperative Care

• The dog can usually go home the same day as the operation. A veterinarian prescribes painkillers and antibiotics to prevent infection. Risk of infection is high because fecal matter is present near the incisions, so it is important to give the dog a full course of antibiotics after surgery. Some dogs have problems defecating for a few days because their bottoms are sore as the incisions heal. In rare occasions, permanent fecal incontinence may occur from the surgery if nerves are accidentally damaged. The dog must not chew or lick the sutures, so a large plastic cone called an Elizabethean collar may need to be placed around the dog's neck to restrict head movement. The veterinarian may require a checkup visit about a week after the surgery, to see how the incisions are healing.