Anal glands are "scent glands"
that all dogs and cats have in the muscles of their anus. When defecating,
stool applies pressure and the glands release a liquid material onto the stool
as it passes through the anus. It is a very common problem that some dogs
and a few cats do not empty their anal glands properly, leading to problems
sometimes chronic or serious.
When the fluid builds up in anal glands, pressure builds. If not relieved,
the material becomes thicker which makes it even more difficult to pass through
the duct. Eventually, the pressure may cause an infection or worse, an abscess
will form. When this happens a hole bursts open over the anal gland to release
the pressure. This is quite painful and blood, pus, and anal gland material
is then released all over your house. Obviously, veterinary care is needed
to correct this problem. The duct and gland are flushed, infused with medicine,
and antibiotics and pain relievers are prescribed.
Long before this problem arises, many dogs will let you know there is a problem
by scooting their rump across the floor or ground. This is their only way
of trying to get the glands to express. Some dogs' signs of anal gland trouble
can be far more subtle: holding their tail down, licking their anus more,
not acting quite right, or walking with their rears off to one side.
Many groomers routinely empty anal glands, but they can only do it externally.
If the material is thick, that method will not work and they are left with
the impression that the glands are empty, when actually, trouble is on the
way. At the veterinary hospital, we express the anal glands internally and
can be assured they are fully empty. It is not recommended to practice internal
anal gland expression at home because, without training, it is possible to
seriously damage the rectum.
If you own a dog that needs his/her anal glands expressed regularly, there
are a couple options for you. First, try dietary modification. Increasing
the fiber in the diet may increase the size of the stool, which in turn will
increase pressure on the glands to empty. Commercial high fiber diets are
available or you can supplement fiber by giving dense fruits or vegetables
every day such as carrots, apples, or broccoli. It is also important to make
sure your dog gets some strenuous activity regularly. When a dog is chasing
another dog along a fence, or chasing a squirrel, they pinch their rectum
tight while sprinting, causing the glands to express. The only other option
is surgery. We can remove the glands permanently and with a surgical laser,
the procedure is less invasive with fewer complications. It is, however, a
costly surgery (roughly $800-$1100). This surgery is usually reserved for
a last resort due to the cost.