ANAL SAC DISEASES DESCRIPTION: The anal sacs are two small pouches under the skin near the anus at the 4 and 8 oclock positions. These sacs hold a thick, fatty liquid that is strongly scented and produced by the anal glands. Occasionally the anal sacs become blocked (impacted) or infected. Anal sac disease occurs more commonly in dogs than in cats. Normal emptying of the anal sacs occurs with defecation. When the anal sphincter muscle opens, it compresses the sac, causing it to empty through the small opening of the anal sac duct. Dogs and cats can also empty their anal sacs voluntarily, but they usually only do so if they are frightened. CAUSES: Failure of the anal sacs to empty during defecation can occur when animals eat low-fiber diets that produce feces that are soft and do not stretch the anus. Hard, gritty material may accumulate within the sac, leading to swelling and possible obstruction. Infection of the anal sac duct, possibly from bacteria of fungal organisms living around the anus, can cause swelling of the duct and prevent the sacs from emptying. Sometimes the infection travels along the duct into the anal sac, and an abcess may form. CLINICAL SIGNS: The most common clinical sign is scooting or dragging of the animals rear end on the floor while it is seated. Other signs include excessive lickig of the anal area, a foul odor, and sometimes the pressence of a small hole under the tail that drains pus or gritty mucous material. The area around the anus is commonly swollen, red and painful. TREATMENT OPTIONS: Uncomplicated impaction of the anal sacs can often be treated by manually expressing the sacs. After the sac is emptied, clinical signs usually disappear rapidly. Prevention of further impactions can be attempted by increasing fiber in the diet and ensuring that your pet has frequent opportunities to defecate. Animals with infected anal sacs often need broad-spectrum antibiotics and manual expression of the sacs. FOLLOW-UP CARE: Most causes of impactions resolve with therapy and do not require frequent follow-up visits.
Posted on: Mon, 24 Nov 2014 20:21:49 +0000
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