Anal Sac Disease
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| What are Anal Sacs? | |
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| Anal Sacs are small glands located just inside the rectum beside the anus at the 5:00 and 7:00 positions; they connect to the anus by means of small canals or ducts. Anal sacs produce and store a clear to dark, unpleasant- smelling fluid during defecation. These are the same type of glands that a skunk has to scare away its enemies. Being that a dog's sacs are rarely emptied, the fluid builds up, solidifies, and becomes an environment where bacteria can thrive. Cleaning your dog's anal sacs regularly can help prevent abcesses and bacteria-related problems. | |
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| What disorders can occur in the Anal Sacs? | |
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| There are three diseases that occur in the anal sacs: | |
1 | Impaction: When the fluid thickens and solidifies |
2 | Infection/ Sacculitis: The production of a yellow or bloody pus where bacteria has been growing |
3 | Abscess Formation: When the infection creates an abscess; a hot, tender swelling in the gland. When the abscessed material overflows the sac, the skin over the sac breaks open, and the pus drains onto the skin |
| How Do I Know if My Dog Has an Anal Sac Problem? | |
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| Here are common signs that your dog might have a problem: | |
- | Your dog scoots their bottom across your floor |
- | Excessive licking in the area of the anus |
- | Bloody or sticky excretions on either side of the anus |
- | Swollen anal glands |
Topical At-Home Treatments for Anal Sac Abscesses: |
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 | Zymox Topical Spray with Hydrocortisone (2 oz) provides a powerful, natural enzyme formula to aid in the treatment of skin infection such as: Ringworm, Atopic dermatitis, Hot Spots, Acute moist pyoderma, Fold pyderma, Anal Sac abscesses. |
| Zymox Topical Spray without Hydrocortisone (2 oz) provides a powerful, natural enzyme formula to aid in the treatment of skin infection such as: Ringworm, Atopic dermatitis, Hot Spots, Acute moist pyoderma, Fold pyderma, Anal Sac abscesses. |  |
 | Zymox Topical Cream without Hydrocortisone (1 oz) provides a powerful, natural enzyme formula to aid in the treatment of skin infection. |
| Zymox Topical Cream with Hydrocortisone (1 oz) provides a powerful, natural enzyme formula to aid in the treatment of skin infection. |  |
 | DECHRA MalAcetic Hydrocortisone Wipes (25 ct) To spot cleanse/deodorize, Malassezia/Pyoderma Anal Sac expression, Medicated bath just became easier ear cleansing, reduce dander and allergenicity post-surgical wound cleansing |
| DECHRA Malacetic Wet Wipe Dry Bath (100 ct) To spot cleanse/deodorize, Malassezia/Pyoderma Anal Sac expression, Medicated bath just became easier ear Cleansing, reduce dander and allergenicity post-surgical wound cleansing |  |
 | Glandex Anal Gland & Digestive Support for Dogs & Cats (4.0 oz) promotes healthy anal gland function in both dogs and cats. |
| Vitasone™ Spray with Hydrocortisone 0.5% (8 oz) provides a natural and effective way to aid in the treatment of the skin infections. |  |
| How to Clean a Dog's Anal Sacs | |
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| To keep your dog's Anal Glands clean and healthy, it is a good idea to express the fluid from their anal sacs regularly. It's common for pet owners to express their dog's anal glands before every bath. | |
1 | First, locate the anal sacs at the 5:00 and 7:00 positions, just inside the anal opening. |
2 | Make sure to wear a pair of latex gloves. Before inserting, please the the gloves in water to ease uncomfort for your dog. Gently insert the index finger inside the dog's anal opening. |
3 | Place the thumb of the same hand and place it on the outside of the anal opening at 7:00 then you should be able to feel your dog's anal sacs between your fingers. |
4 | Gently pinch the anal sacs between your fingers and the accumulated secretion should squirt out. You should be able to feel the sacs shrink in size instantly as you gently squeeze. |
5 | Move your fingers to 5:00 and do the same process. |
6 | Repeat the procedure regularly during bath time to keep your dog's anal sacs in optimal health. |
7 | After expressing anal sacs, use odor Eliminator to spray or wipe the smell away. |
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| AOE Animal Odor Eliminator | AOE All purpose Deodorizing Pet Wipes |
| Treatment: | |
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1 | The sacs must be cleaned out of the solidified material. Impacted anal glands are treated by having your veterinarian manually express the anal sacs. |
2 | If there is an infection, an anal sac expression is required, and antibiotics must be given to destroy the bacteria. Flushing of the sac may also be administered. |
3 | If there is an abscess, it must be drained surgically in addition to antibiotics. |
| Prevention: | ||
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There is no known prevention because there is no determined cause. However obesity, improper diet, and certain skin conditions where there is an irregular amount of oil secreted by the skin, may all be contributors in the disease.
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| ScootEase™ Soft Chews promote healthy anal sac and gland function in dogs. Dogs with irritated anal glands often drag their behind across the ground trying to relieve irritation. This behavior is often called scooting and can be prevented by providing proper care with nutrients that work to ensure the anal glands and anal sac remain healthy. |
| Reoccurrences: |
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| If your dog has had current anal sac problems such as repeated abscessation or rupture of the anal sacs, surgical removal of the anal glands can be done. There are no known detrimental effects to removing the anal glands, but the surgery and anesthesia required are not without possible complications. If you are considering having the surgery performed on your pet, be sure and talk with your vet about the potential complications. |