Lisa
12-11-2005, 08:35 PM
Anal Sacs
Anal sacs / glands are two small glands just inside your dogs anus. The material secreted into these glands is thick and foul smelling. Most animals can empty these glands voluntarily for scent marking, but some domestic animals have lost their ability to empty these sacs voluntarily.
Walking around and normal defecation serves to empty the glands but some animals become unable to empty their glands on their own at all. The sacs become impacted and uncomfortable.
How will you know if your dog has sac issues? Some dogs scoot across the carpet, some dogs will lick their anal area and other dogs will chase their tails.
If you ignore the condition, an abscess can form and rupture out through the skin. This is a painful, messy and pretty smelly condition often mistaken for rectal bleeding. If an anal sac abscess forms, it must be properly treated by your veterinarian. Antibiotics will be needed.
You should go to your vet FIRST and get him/her to show you the proper technique before attempting yourself, but here is the general way to do it.
Easier Way to drain
A rag or tissue is held up to the anus and both sides of the anal area are squeezed. If the secretion is very pasty, this method may be inadequate to empty the sacs.
The way the vet should do it (more invasive but more effective)
A lubricated gloved finger is inserted in the anus and the sac is squeezed between thumb & forefinger into a tissue held externally. The procedure is repeated on the opposite side.
If scooting continues for more than a few days after sac emptying, the sacs should be re-checked. For some individuals, it take several attempts to get the sac completely empty. If the sacs are empty and scooting is persisting, another cause (such as itchy skin, tapeworms, or even lower back pain) should be pursued.
Anal sacs / glands are two small glands just inside your dogs anus. The material secreted into these glands is thick and foul smelling. Most animals can empty these glands voluntarily for scent marking, but some domestic animals have lost their ability to empty these sacs voluntarily.
Walking around and normal defecation serves to empty the glands but some animals become unable to empty their glands on their own at all. The sacs become impacted and uncomfortable.
How will you know if your dog has sac issues? Some dogs scoot across the carpet, some dogs will lick their anal area and other dogs will chase their tails.
If you ignore the condition, an abscess can form and rupture out through the skin. This is a painful, messy and pretty smelly condition often mistaken for rectal bleeding. If an anal sac abscess forms, it must be properly treated by your veterinarian. Antibiotics will be needed.
You should go to your vet FIRST and get him/her to show you the proper technique before attempting yourself, but here is the general way to do it.
Easier Way to drain
A rag or tissue is held up to the anus and both sides of the anal area are squeezed. If the secretion is very pasty, this method may be inadequate to empty the sacs.
The way the vet should do it (more invasive but more effective)
A lubricated gloved finger is inserted in the anus and the sac is squeezed between thumb & forefinger into a tissue held externally. The procedure is repeated on the opposite side.
If scooting continues for more than a few days after sac emptying, the sacs should be re-checked. For some individuals, it take several attempts to get the sac completely empty. If the sacs are empty and scooting is persisting, another cause (such as itchy skin, tapeworms, or even lower back pain) should be pursued.