More than you ever wanted to know about Anal Sacs !

What on Earth are Anal Sacs?

Anal sacs (also called anal glands) are two small glands just inside your pet’s anus. The material secreted into these glands is thick and foul smelling. Most animals can empty these glands voluntarily for scent marking or in self defence (like a skunk).

Domestic animals have largely lost the ability to empty these sacs voluntarily.

Walking around and normal defecation usually serves to empty the glands but some animals

become unable to empty their glands on their own at all. The sacs become impacted and uncomfortable.

Dogs with impacted anal sacs usually scoot their rear on the ground in an attempt to empty the glands. Some dogs will lick their anal area and others will chase their tails. Cats often lick the fur off just under their tails.

What happens if an Impacted Sac doesn’t get emptied?

An abscess can form and rupture through the skin. This is painful, messy and a pretty smelly condition which is often mistaken for rectal bleeding. If an anal sac abscess forms it must be properly treated by your vet and antibiotics will be needed.

How often should Anal Sacs be emptied?

This is a highly individual situation. The best recommendation is to let the pet tell you when the sacs are full. If the pet starts scooting again it’s time to bring him in.

What if they seem to require emptying all the time?

You can learn to empty them yourself at home but most people feel it is worthwhile having someone else do it for them.

Your pet may benefit from changing to a high fibre diet; this will produce a bulkier stool that may be more effective in emptying the sac as it passes by.

If the sacs need to be emptied every few weeks or so you made opt to have the sacs surgically removed. This procedure is complicated involving many local nerves and should be thoroughly discussed with your veterinarian.

If you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s anal glands or scooting please talk to one of our staff.