Just Scooting Around: Anal Sac Infections
By Audrey Guida, DVM
Has your dog ever scooted their butt on the ground or smelled fishy? This might be an indication your pet has anal gland/sac disease.
Your dog has two anal sacs within the anal canal. They contain material that can stink up a room, usually with a very fishy smell. The anal sacs are normally expressed when your dog is defecating. The feces passing through the anal canal puts pressure on the sacs and expresses them.
An anal sac infection or abscess can happen when the anal sacs are not expressed properly while defecating. Your dog may be scooting or licking their anus, having trouble posturing to poop, avoiding pooping, or have an obvious swelling around their anus. You may even note green/yellow discharge or draining in the area.
Anal sac infection/abscesses are not a medical emergency; however, your pet should be seen as soon as possible to help relieve the pain and infection. Depending on the severity, there can be a spectrum of treatments needed. If the infection is minor, the anal sacs can be expressed, and an oral antibiotic can be prescribed. If the infection has progressed to a very painful swelling and the anal sacs cannot be expressed, usually your pet will need to be sedated so the anal sacs can be adequately flushed and infused with a medicated ointment. In severe cases, the anal sac abscess should be lanced and flushed thoroughly under sedation. Your pet will go home with pain medications, antibiotics, and likely a cone to keep them from licking the area.
If your pet is prone to anal sac disease, there are a few things that can help! Fiber supplements can help bulk up the stool and aid in expressing the sacs when pooping. There are also higher fiber or hypoallergenic diets. In severe or repeated cases, surgery can be elected to remove the anal sacs, as they are not necessary for your pet’s health. Talk to your vet today if you think your pet may have anal sac disease!