Canine Anal Gland Disease

Canine anal gland (sac) disease is very common among all types of dogs. If your dog is "scooting" frequently, it could be a sign that he has fallen victim to anal gland disease. The disease is considered to be the over-filling of these glands, from lack of secretion, and can lead to major health problems in dogs if not paid attention to.

  1. Purpose

    • Both sexes of dogs have two anal glands located right inside the rectum. Each of these small glands has an extremely small opening that allows secretion to escape. When a dog has a bowel movement, these glands secrete a watery substance that aides in passing of the fecal mass. This substance obviously makes the bowel movement smoother and less uncomfortable for your dog.

    Causes

    • As the fecal mass passes through the rectum, pressure is exerted on these glands. The firmness of the mass causes these glands to secrete. If it is not hard enough, the glands will not express the discharge. If a dog consistently passes fecal masses that are soft, the dog's anal glands will fill with the discharge. The buildup of this substance in the anal glands causes canine anal gland disease.

    Symptoms

    • Anal glands full of discharge, from a lack of secretion, cause the dog to suffer a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. As the discharge builds in the glands it becomes thicker, making it even harder for the glands to express. Impacted glands have the potential to become inflamed and infected due to bacteria buildup. If the gland feels that there is no way to secrete the now-thickened substance, it will rupture and cause the gland to become abscessed.

    Indication

    • A "scooting" dog is the most common indicator of canine anal gland disease. If you experience this with your dog, it is probably time to check his or her anal glands. Another sign of this disease is an inflamed or red rectum area. If your dog is showing signs of canine anal disease, it is best to take action immediately.

    Prevention/Solution

    • To prevent your dog from suffering from canine anal gland disease it is a good idea to pay close attention to your dog's anal glands. Being aware of the anal glands is the first step in stopping them from becoming inflamed or abscessed. If anal gland buildup is suspected, dog owners can gently insert their finger into the rectum and move their finger in an inward and upward motion. This should create the pressure needed to release the substance from the anal glands. If discharge does not secrete then you may need to visit your veterinarian. The veterinarian may use various methods, like the insertion of a catheter into the gland, to drain the anal glands.