Know the Signs of Anal Gland Disease

By Cathy Doggins

Does your dog scoot across the floor? While some blame worms, the real cause is the anal sacs. Inside the gland is a liquid used to identify one another. Dogs use the odor as an identifier when sniffing the anus of another canine. Symptoms of anal gland disorders include scooting, anus licking and odor.

Anal Gland Anatomy

The anal sacs are on the sides of the anus inbetween the interior and exterior sphincter muscles. The sphincter keeps feces inside the dog. When feces leave the anus, the sphincter muscle empties the anal sacs, causing the oily liquid to empty.

Anal Sac Diseases

Every dog has anal glands, with larger dogs having larger size glands. Problems occur when the liquid remains in the glands longer than normal. When the glands fail to empty, the liquid contents can thicken. Stagnant fluid can trigger multiple problems and symptoms. Swelling glands are uncomfortable for the dog. Many dogs suffer from anal gland infections, a condition that requires antibiotics and a veterinarian to drain the glands. One sign of infection is unusually bad odor.

In rare cases, tumors form in the anal sacs. Tumors only grow in one gland. If the growth is metastatic, it can move to local lymph nodes, the liver and lungs. If a growth is blocking any fluid, see a veterinarian as soon as possible. A dog diagnosed with an anal sac neoplasm has a prognosis of approximately 544 days.Prevention

Dog owners can forestall anal sac problems by observing and acting on any early symptoms. Dogs that are suffering from anal gland problems will scoot across the floor on the anus or try and lick the anus. The powerful smell is also a tell-tale sign that an issue is brewing.

Treatment

Anal sacs in a healthy canine will empty naturally as a part of a normal bowel movement. If your dog frequently suffers from anal gland impaction, an owner can be taught to empty the glands through palpitation. Groomers or a vet can express the glands during an office visit. Dogs with frequent problems are treated with surgical removal of the sac.

About the Author:

Ms. Doggins is the publisher of many articles on dog anal gland health and training. She enjoys instructing owners about canine health in order to help avoid disease and prevent behavior problems. When not coaching dog owners, she can be discovered caring for her very own pets, or as a volunteer at a nearby shelter.