Anal Sacs in Dogs
One of the more noxious parts of your dog
MetPet.com Staff Writer
Anal sacs are two pea-sized glands located at the 5:00 and 7:00 positions
under the skin around the anus. Through small openings, they
release a strong-smelling fluid with each bowel movement. They can also
release fluid when the anal sphincter is contracted when the dog is surprised,
frightened or overly excited. The sacs function as scent glands and
are used to identify the individual and are probably the reason that dogs sniff this
area. The fluid from the sacs is normally liquid (versus thick) and brown in color.
Anal sacs can exhibit a variety of problems:
- the openings become impacted or clogged
- they produce excess fluid
- they fail to empty completely
- they become infected
- they abscess
- they rupture in extreme cases
Anal sac problems generally occur:
- in small and miniature breeds
- in dogs with soft or small stools (firm bowel movements are required to empty
the sacs)
- in obese dogs or those with poor sphincter tone
If your dog sits down and pulls himself forward with his front legs (scooting),
he is probably trying to empty the sacs which have become uncomfortably full.
Other symptoms of anal sac problems include excessive licking or gnawing at the
area, pain during bowel movements or even a visible swelling of the area.
Any pain or visible swelling of one sac or the other requires a visit to your
vet as this could be signs of a more serious condition such as an abscess.
Here are the basic steps to manually expressing (emptying) anal
sacs:
- You will need paper towels, tissue or a small washcloth and
thin latex or rubber gloves. Thick gloves will make it more difficult to
feel the sacs.
- You will need to place your dog in the bathtub, shower or on hard surface
flooring covered with a towel or newspapers. The bathtub or enclosed
shower have the added advantage of making it more difficult for your dog to walk
away.
- Sit on one side of your dog and lift his tail up with one hand.
- With the thumb and forefinger of the other hand, feel for the firm, pea-sized
sacs at the 5:00 and 7:00 positions on either side of the anus (think about the
face of a clock, find the 6 and go just to the right and left of that position). You can
use a tissue or paper towel but it sometimes makes it more difficult to locate
the sacs.
- Firmly but gently squeeze your thumb and forefinger until liquid is expressed.
Too much force can actually damage the sacs so be firm but stop if your dog is
obviously in pain.
- If you cannot feel the sacs or if there is no liquid expressed, you can move
your fingers around and try another position. Another option is to empty
one sac at a time by placing the forefinger inside the anal opening and using
the thumb to squeeze the sac as before. This procedure appears to work
better with impacted sacs.
- Although relatively simply in theory, this procedure can be quite daunting and
uncomfortable for both you and your dog. When in doubt, ask your vet to show you how it's done for future reference.
If your dog has this problem continuously, the sacs may have to be regularly
emptied (approximately once a week) so it's best to learn this procedure.
If the sacs express a blood-tinged, yellow, black and/or thick
pus-like discharge, the sacs could be infected. As with pain in the area
or a visible swelling, this requires a visit to the vet. Anal sac
infections are generally treated with antibiotics or, if an abscess is created
and then ruptures through the skin, with a topical antiseptic. In severe
cases of constant anal sac impaction, the glands themselves may be surgically
removed.
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