Anal Glands (Anal Sacs) in the Dog and Cat
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“Why is my pet scooting?” “Why does my dog (or my cat) have a terrible smell from his rear-end when he gets excited?” If you are asking these questions about your dog or cat, rest assured that you are not alone. I hear these and similar questions at least several times a day in my veterinary practice. And the answer is probably related to your dog or cat’s anal glands.
What are Anal Glands and Anal Sacs?
Anal glands are also commonly called anal sacs and are part of the normal anatomy of every dog and cat, meaning that every dog and cat has two of them. Anal glands are sacs, one of which is located on either side of the rectum.
When a dog or cat moves his bowels, these anal glands are normally emptied at the same time. However, sometimes, when a dog or cat becomes excited, nervous or scared, the anal glands may be expressed as a result of the pet’s heightened emotional state. Anal gland fluid has a foul smell which is easily noticed. This scent most often answers the question “Why does my dog (or my cat) have a terrible smell from his rear-end when he gets excited?”
However, the other thing that frequently happens with anal glands is that they are not emptied properly and begin to fill up with fluid.
What Happens When Canine or Feline Anal Glands Fill Up With Fluid?
When anal glands are not emptied properly and become too full, they start to become irritating to the dog or cat. In an attempt to empty the anal glands, or perhaps simply as a result of irritation resulting from full anal glands, the pet may begin to scoot across the floor. This is an easily recognized behavior. The pet sits down and proceeds to drag his rear-end across the floor. “Why is my pet scooting?” Probably because his anal glands are full. Other less frequent causes of this type of scooting behavior are parasites or an attempt to clean the rectal area.
Occasionally, dogs or cats whose anal glands are full will lick or bite excessively underneath of their tail. This may be done in addition to scooting or instead of scooting.
How are Anal Sacs Expressed in the Dog and Cat?
If your dog or cat is scooting or showing other signs of anal gland problems, the anal glands need to be expressed. This is done by manipulating the anal glands and milking or pushing the fluid out of them. This may be done by external manipulation or by placing one finger inside of the rectum and one outside of rectum and emptying the glands through their ducts, which are located at the edge of the rectum at approximately the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock position.
Anal Gland Impaction in the Dog and Cat
In many cases, the anal gland fluid will be a dark brown color and watery in consistency. In these cases, expressing the anal glands is probably all that needs to be done. When the fluid has remained in the anal sacs for a long period of time, the fluid may harden, producing a dark colored pasty material which is extruded when the anal glands are expressed. This hardened fluid may result in an anal gland impaction and it will likely require manual expression to empty the anal glands in these circumstances.
Anal Gland Infections and Abscesses in the Dog and Cat
If anal gland problems go untended, the anal sacs may actually become infected. In some cases, the infection may become bad enough that an abscess forms and creates a draining tract, resulting in an open sore next to the rectum.
Treatment for anal gland infections and abscesses may include expressing and even flushing and draining the infected anal gland or glands. In some cases, sedation or even a general anesthetic may be necessary to properly drain and flush the infected/abscesses gland. Antibiotics will likely be required to control the infection. Pain medications may be necessary to reduce the discomfort resulting from the infection or abscess.
So, the next time you see your dog or cat scooting across the floor or smell a foul odor when he gets excited or nervous, you will know that the anal sacs, or anal glands, are probably involved. If you think your pet is experiencing problems with his anal glands, you should seek advice from your veterinarian.
Want to Know More About Dog or Cat Anal Glands?
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