All dogs may suffer from anal sac disease. The anal sacs are glands at either side of the anus (rectum). They produce secretions which are pungent and straw colored with brown flecks. These secretions give other dogs mating and territorial information and it is given out every time a dog defecates. Secretions may normally be produced when the dogs are hyperactive or nervous.
A variety of problems arise due to anal sacs. For example, anal sacs may become infected with bacteria and lead to a disease called ‘anal sacculitis’. They may also become impacted or overfilled which leads to discomfort and infection. Anal sacs can also lead to tumors.
Symptoms of Anal Sac Disease
Symptoms that your dog is suffering from anal sac problems include:
· Scooting anus on the carpet or the ground
· Frequent licking of anus
· Clamping the tail down over the anus
· Reluctance to sit as sitting applies pressure on the painful anal sac
· Difficulty passing feces
· Production of ribbon-like stool
· Redness or swelling in the affected area
Prevention of Anal Sac Disease
In order to avoid your canine suffering from anal sac disease, make sure it does a good amount of exercise. This not only makes it healthy but also gives it a chance to go outside and gives it enough space to have bowel movements. Healthy food is also very important; diet must include zinc, the B complex, vitamin A, lecithin and omega-3 fatty acids. In addition to this olive oil is healthy for the dog too as it acts as a laxative by promoting muscular contraction of bowels.
Diagnosis of Anal Sac Disease
Certain tests may be necessary to confirm that the dog is suffering from anal sac disease. These tests may include:
1 History and Physical exam
2 Rectal examination
3 Blood tests
4 Chest and abdominal X-rays along with abdominal ultrasound if tumor is found.
Treatment of Anal Sac Disease
In case of simple swelling and impactions, emptying the anal sac is all that is required. If your dog fails to express the anal sacs while it is awake, then anesthesia must be used to express and flush the anal sacs. Other treatments may include antibiotics on anti-inflammatory drugs and surgical removal of the anal sacs in severe cases.
Diseases Related to Anal Sac Disease
· Acute Peritonitis
· Anal Sac Impaction
· Anal Sacculitis
· Anal Sac Abscess
· Anal Sac Tumor
· Canine Infectious Hepatitis
· Constipation
· Copper-associated Hepatitis
· Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction
· Inflammatory Bowel Disease
· Esophageal Achalasia
· Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency, EPI
· Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat)
· Gluten-sensitive Enteropathy
· Hepatic Fibrosis
· Hepatic Encephalopathy
· Histiocytic Ulcerative Colitis
· Megaesophagus
· Perianal Fistulas
· Pyloric Stenosis
· Veterinary Drugs
