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Infected Anal Sac Article
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Anal Sac Disease In Dogs
from: Kyle BesserWhen your dog scoots its rump across the floor, it most likely isn't due to worms. Dogs scoot when their anal sacs are uncomfortable to them.
Anal glands are scent glands located around a dog's anus that produce a strong smelling, oily secretion. When dogs greet each other by sniffing, the secretion from the anal glands is what they are smelling. Anal sacs are located between the internal and external anal sphincters. Sphincters are the muscles that enable the dog to hold stool in the rectum until it is time to pass it. The anal sacs store this secretion for territory marking.
The anal sacs empty through two openings located on either side of the dog's anus. When the anus is stretched as stool is passed, the sphincter muscles squeeze the anal sacs and force the contents onto the surface of the stool. Anal sacs vary in size based on the breed of dog, but generally healthy anal sacs range in size from a pea to a kidney bean.
Problems occur when the sacs get too full and impacted. If the contents of the anal sacs are not emptied on a regular basis during the act of passing stool, the normally liquid content becomes very thick and plugs the openings of the anal sacs. The impacted glands can cause discomfort to the dog, and they can get infected resulting in an abscess. Fluid from a normal anal sac has an unpleasant smell, but the smell from infected anal sacs can be overwhelmingly bad.
To ensure the anal sacs are emptying properly, have them checked on a regular basis. This is a simple and painless procedure that should be included in a complete physical exam. If the glands are full, they can be easily emptied while the contents are still fluid. It becomes more difficult to empty the anal sacs once the contents begin to thicken.
If you are unsure if your dog needs their anal sacs emptied, watch its behavior. Dogs with impacted anal glands will often scoot their rump across the floor or look, lick, and/or bite at their anus.
What predisposes some dogs to anal sac abscesses is unknown. Dogs that are very obese tend to have more problems than dogs that are more physically fit. This may be due to fat skin folds blocking the pores and preventing them from draining, or because it is more difficult for an obese dog to groom itself and encourage natural drainage. If your dog repeatedly develops anal sac abscesses, the sacs can be removed surgically.
Anal glands and anal sacs are not usually discussed when people talk about their dogs. They are however a part of your dog's anatomy and as a responsible dog owner, it is your responsibility to recognize when your dog is having a problem. Early treatment is best and avoiding an abscess will make you and your dog much happier.
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