by Joe Bodewes, DVM

Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.
Veterinary Services Department

Location and Function of Anal Glands
 
 

All predators, whether they are canines or felines in the wild or skunks in your backyard, have anal glands. They just use them differently. Skunks discharge the secretion from these glands as a form of defence, while dogs use it primarily for territorial marking or as a form of communication. In dogs and cats, every time a stool is passed, it should put enough pressure on the anal glands that some of the secretion is deposited on the surface of the stool. Other dogs and cats are then able to tell who has been in the neighbourhood, just by sniffing the stools they find. Additionally, dogs and cats recognise each other by smelling each other in the general area of the anus, since each animal’s anal glands produce a unique scent.

Diseases of the Anal Glands

Anal gland impactions, infections, and abscesses can occur. Here's how: For various reasons, such as the conformation of the animals, the thickness of the gland's secretions or the hardness of the stool, these glands and their ducts often become clogged, or impacted. When this occurs, the dog will sit down on its rear quarters and drag its anal area across the floor or ground. This is called scooting. Both dogs and cats may lick the anal area excessively. Impacted anal glands are a very, very common problem for dogs, especially the smaller breeds.

Anal glands may also become infected and abscess. Bacteria make their way into the glands, probably through the ducts. This is a very painful condition, and the first sign you may see is that the animal attempts to bite or scratch when you touch the area near the tail.

Treatment

When the glands become impacted, a veterinarian, groomer or the pet’s owner must clean them out, or express them. This empties the glands of all material. It is done by applying pressure with the finger, start below the gland and then pushing upwards. In some dogs this needs to be done every week or two. Cats generally need this procedure less often.

Impacted glands do not affect the overall health of the pet. The problem is that pets may injure the anal area when scooting across the ground, or discharge the secretion on the carpet or floor. And this material has a terrible odour.

A veterinarian must lance anal gland abscesses, and antibiotics are usually given to the pet for seven to 14 days. Using warm compresses on the area often helps to relieve some of the pain and reduce swelling. Secondary problems sometimes occur with abscesses, as they may cause scar tissue or other damage that may affect the nerves and muscles in this area. This can cause faecal incontinence, meaning the pet cannot retain its stools.

If an individual pet only has an occasional problem with the gland, they can be dealt with as needed. However, for pets with repeated or chronic problems, surgical removal of the glands is recommended. With the removal of these glands all problems associated with these glands are eliminated for the remainder of the pet’s life. Although a fairly simple procedure, complications such as faecal incontinence can rarely occur.

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