Canine anal sac problem

Impacted and infected anal glands will become abscessed if not treated. If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. This firm stool pushes against the anal glands when your dog poops, causing the glands to empty. Marc Abraham is a vet based in Brighton. Impaction results from blockage of the duct leading from the gland to the opening, with the gland usually becoming non-painful but swollen. The internal method is more effective, especially if the material in the anal sacs is thick. Signs of severe infection might include distinct bulges just beneath the surface on either side below the anal opening, drainage from the rectum or even one or more abscesses in the immediate area.

This will empty the sacs and the vet can check the secretion for symptoms like abnormal yellow-green or smelly discharge. Diana Beth Miller - Jan 13, Dogs enjoy chewing, be it the furniture, shoes or anything in between. The best preventative measure for this condition is feeding a high-quality diet that is high in fiber and low in fat. Nathan Michaels, PhD - Jan 12, All rights reserved. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery.

All that repeated squeezing and pinching can cause more inflammation, swelling and injury. Diet plays a big role in anal gland problems. Again, this makes it difficult for anything to get through, and without treatment, this can cause infection. The anal sacs become hot and tender during an infection. Look for two sacs on either side of your dog's anus, at the "twenty past eight" position on a clock face.