To the left and right of the anus, dogs have two anal sacs, which contain the anal glands. The foul-smelling secretion produced by these glands is collected in the anal sacs and serves as the dog's individual scent mark, which is released with each bowel movement. Inflammation of the anal sacs can be very unpleasant and painful for dogs.
In cases of diarrhea or very soft stools, the anal sacs cannot empty properly, causing the remaining secretions to thicken and block the narrow ducts. External factors such as fecal crusts or scarring can also lead to a blockage of the ducts. The overfilled anal sacs are visible and palpable on both sides of the anus. If the blockage does not clear, bacteria can enter and cause inflammation and further swelling. Anal sac inflammation can affect any dog, with small breeds being particularly susceptible.
The dog owner usually first notices increased licking around the anus, which can cause the skin around the anus to become inflamed. Due to the itching, dogs slide around on their rear ends while sitting, which is also known as "sledding." Affected dogs no longer like to sit down because of the pain and show increased straining and vocalization when defecating.
If you notice one or more of these symptoms in your dog, you should consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. The sooner you react, the faster your pet can be helped. If left untreated, anal sac inflammation can develop into an abscess and break through the outside of the anus, which is known as an anal sac fistula. A foul-smelling, bloody, purulent fluid flows from the fistula opening.
The veterinarian can usually make a diagnosis very quickly based on your preliminary report and a clinical examination at the practice. They will identify and feel the enlarged anal sac and assess the consistency of the anal secretion. As worm infestation or other skin diseases can cause similar symptoms, these conditions should be ruled out during the examination.
If the anal sacs are simply blocked, it may be sufficient for the vet to carefully empty the solid, sometimes grainy contents manually. If there is already inflammation, an abscess or a fistula, it is advisable to rinse the anal sacs with an antibacterial solution and repeat this daily for a certain period of time. In severe cases, it may also be necessary to administer antibiotics.
In some animals, the anal sacs become inflamed again and again despite treatment or do not heal properly. In the case of such chronic inflammation, surgical removal of the anal sacs is necessary. However, this can only be done once the inflammation has subsided. Please always discuss the exact treatment plan with your veterinarian on a case-by-case basis.
If anal sac inflammation is treated promptly and consistently, the prognosis for recovery is good.
If your dog is prone to anal sac inflammation, you should take them to the vet for regular check-ups. If their stool is consistently too soft, changing their diet can help prevent anal sac blockage and possible inflammation.
Your veterinarian will always check the anal region during all other preventive care or vaccination appointments so that any changes can be detected in good time.
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