The anal glands in dogs and cats
Anal glands are small sacs located in the sphincter muscles of the anus that contain a strong-smelling fluid. The anal glands are connected to the anus by a narrow duct. When solid stool passes the anal sacs, it presses on them and they are emptied. Dogs can also empty their anal glands when they are startled, releasing a strong-smelling odor.
You cannot see or feel healthy anal glands under the skin. However, the anal glands can become overly full and/or inflamed. You may then be able to feel them under the skin when you run your finger over them, and you may also be able to see them as two small lumps beneath the skin, on either side of the anus. Overly full anal glands can cause problems for your dog or cat.
Overly full anal glands
Sometimes anal glands are not emptied automatically or regularly. When this does not happen automatically, the strong-smelling fluid builds up in the anal glands. Eventually, the fluid may even dry out.
Anal glands can become overly full due to diarrhea or soft stool (which does not put enough pressure on the anal sacs, so they are not emptied) or a blockage in the duct between the anal gland and the anus.
Overly full anal glands can lead to unpleasant health problems. The anal sacs may rupture, causing their contents to enter the surrounding tissue and resulting in inflammation. This is known as an anal gland infection. An anal gland infection can be recognized by a red lump under or beside the anus. In an advanced stage, the lump may open and pus, together with the contents of the anal sacs, may come out. This is also known as a ruptured anal gland infection.
How can you recognize anal gland problems?
When a dog or cat has problems with overly full anal glands, they may show this in various ways. One of the best-known symptoms is scooting. Overly full anal glands cause itching around the anus. A dog or cat will try to relieve this itching by scooting its rear end across the floor. In addition to scooting, a dog or cat may bite or lick its anus to relieve the itching.
Your dog may also be less willing to go for walks or may keep sitting down during walks because of discomfort from its anal glands.
Finally, a ruptured anal gland infection can be recognized by the open wound under the anus. If you do not notice the ruptured anal gland infection from the open wound, you may still be able to smell it!
Treating overly full anal glands
Needless to say, overly full anal glands need to be emptied. But take note! You should not regularly squeeze the anal glands yourself when they are not yet full. This can disrupt the natural process, causing the glands to produce fluid more quickly and become full again sooner.
Is your dog or cat suffering from overly full anal glands? Make an appointment with your veterinarian. The veterinarian can empty the anal glands. Do not try to do this yourself, especially if you do not know how.
If your dog or cat has an anal gland infection, the veterinarian will first need to empty the anal sacs. You will then be given a course of antibiotics for your pet. You may also be given anti-inflammatory medication. The veterinarian may need to empty the anal glands again after the course of antibiotics has been completed.
If there is a ruptured anal gland infection, it is important to flush the wound thoroughly and keep it clean. In this case, too, the veterinarian will give you a course of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication.
