Treatment for Dog Anal Gland Problems: From Expression to Surgery

Treating Impacted Anal Glands

A vet or vet nurse empties the sacs by gentle pressure, usually with a gloved finger in the rectum.^2,1 If the contents are very thick, the vet may infuse a softening solution or saline into the sac.^1,2 Many dogs need this only once. For dogs with repeated impaction, your vet will suggest a schedule based on how quickly signs return.¹⁰

Treating Anal Gland Infection (Sacculitis)

Specialists recommend emptying and flushing the sac, then placing an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory product directly into it. This is usually repeated every 2 to 3 weeks, at least 3 times.^2,6 Antibiotic tablets alone are often not enough, and some dermatologists don't recommend them for uncomplicated sacculitis.^2,7 Your vet may also prescribe pain relief.³ Because allergies are common in dogs with sacculitis and raise the chance of it coming back, treating the allergy is an important part of care.⁷

Treating an Anal Gland Abscess

An abscess is usually lanced or drained, flushed and treated with warm compresses at home. Antibiotics by mouth are added when the infection has spread into the surrounding tissue.^2,11 Pain relief is important. If the abscess has already burst, keep the area clean as your vet directs until it heals.^4,2 Recurring abscesses may be a reason to consider surgery.¹

Anal Gland Removal (Anal Sacculectomy)

Surgery to remove the sacs is recommended when medical treatment keeps failing, or when there's a tumor.^1,7 A closed technique, which keeps the sac intact while it's removed, is generally preferred.¹

• Common, short-lived problems: loose stools or temporary loss of bowel control for 1 to 3 weeks.⁴ Infection is also a risk.¹² In one study, most minor complications settled within 2 weeks.⁸
• Fecal incontinence: the main concern, because the sacs sit within the anal sphincter. It's usually temporary, and permanent nerve damage is rare,⁴ though Merck calls incontinence a common complication of the surgery.¹ In one series of 28 small dogs and cats, incontinence was seen in 1 animal and only on the first day.¹³ Reported minor complication rates range widely, from about 3% to 32%.¹³

Ask your vet about their experience with the procedure, or about referral to a surgeon. See fecal incontinence in dogs.

Treatment of Anal Sac Cancer

Surgery to remove the tumor, and often the enlarged lymph nodes inside the abdomen, is the main treatment. It may be combined with radiation or chemotherapy, although the benefit of chemotherapy is less clear.^5,14 If blood calcium is high or the kidneys are affected, your dog may need IV fluids and medication to stabilize before surgery.⁵ After tumor surgery, fecal incontinence can occur in up to 33% of dogs, especially when large masses are removed, but it's usually temporary.⁵

Outlook depends on stage. Overall median survival is about 1.5 years, but it's shorter for dogs with high calcium or spread to the lungs.^15,16 Survival with surgery plus other treatment is often reported at 15 to 28 months.¹⁴ Ask your vet about referral to a veterinary oncologist.

Preventing Anal Gland Problems

• Don't express healthy glands routinely. Expression is advised only for dogs with recurring problems, and overly frequent expression may irritate the sacs.^4,10,17
• Fiber: often recommended to bulk up stool so the sacs empty naturally. It's low risk but unproven; no controlled study has shown it prevents anal sac disease.^1,10
• Healthy weight: good for overall health, though a large UK study found no link between obesity and anal sac problems.³
• Treat allergies and diarrhea, which are commonly linked with sacculitis and recurrence.^7,12 See allergies in dogs and diarrhea in dogs.
• Yearly rectal exams for older dogs, especially spaniels, to catch anal sac tumors early.^14,16

Back to dog anal glands or see anal gland symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do vets treat impacted anal glands?

By gently emptying them, usually with a gloved finger in the rectum. Thick contents may be softened with a solution infused into the sac.

Do dogs need antibiotics for an anal gland infection?

Not always. Flushing the sac and placing medication directly into it often works better than tablets. Tablets are used when infection spreads into surrounding tissue.

How long does an anal gland abscess take to heal?

Most heal well once drained and treated. Your vet will set a recheck to confirm it has closed.

Should I have my dog's anal glands removed?

Only if problems keep coming back despite treatment, or there's a tumor. Most dogs never need surgery.

What are the risks of anal gland removal?

Swelling, infection and temporary loose stools or incontinence. Permanent incontinence is uncommon.

What can I feed my dog to help its anal glands?

Your vet may suggest a higher-fiber diet or fiber supplement. It's low risk, but the evidence that it prevents problems is weak.

How often should a dog's anal glands be expressed?

Only when needed. Dogs with recurring problems may need it every few weeks to months.

Can anal sac cancer be cured?

Some dogs, especially with small tumors found early, live for years after surgery. Outlook depends on tumor size, spread and calcium levels.