Cats and dogs have scent glands lining the inside of the anal sacs. There is one anal sac on each side of the anus, and their ducts open at the lower sides of the anal opening. The glands produce three different types of secretion, which mix and are stored in the sacs. The secretion can vary from whitish (fatty) to dark brown (pigmented), and in consistency from runny, creamy or gritty to firm. The smell is usually strong and pungent, reminiscent of rotting fish.
Normally, animals empty their anal sacs when they pass faeces. The muscles squeeze the contents out over the faeces on their way out. The secretion then reveals part of the “animal’s identity” to other animals.
Problems with the anal sacs
Animals with weaker muscles in the area, or that have had diarrhoea or loose stools (no firm stool to press against for emptying), may need help emptying their anal sacs. They should then be checked and emptied regularly – ideally before they cause problems and become painful.
Guldveterinären can help you empty healthy but full anal sacs in connection with another procedure. It can usually be done on a fully awake animal, but sometimes sedation is needed.
Sometimes, however, the secretion becomes too firm to pass through the ducts. The ducts become blocked and the sacs keep filling. Eventually the sacs can become overfilled and inflamed. If the area is inflamed, sedation and pain relief are needed. After emptying, the sacs are also flushed with a softening disinfectant and saline.
Sometimes the anal sacs rupture at the sides below the anus. The sacs can also become infected by bacteria when animals lick bacteria in from the faeces.
Animals with anal sac problems may show various signs of irritation:
– tenderness at the rear
– scooting on their bottom
– holding the tail between the legs
– licking or biting at the tail and anal area, or at other areas as far as they can reach.
Some animals with recurring problems may need surgery to remove their anal sacs. This is done at a veterinary clinic under general anaesthesia.
Via the contact form you can book emptying of healthy, full anal sacs (not inflamed or ruptured), but only in connection with another procedure. State under “Message” that you would like to add anal sac emptying.
Acute cases such as acute anal sac inflammation or a ruptured anal sac are referred to emergency animal hospitals: AWAKE, Evidensia Södra Djursjukhuset, AniCura Albano or Bagarmossen
