Canine Anal Sacculectomy Symptoms

Dogs with inflamed anal sacculitis often swing their tails, rub their hindquarters on the ground, try to bite their anus, have difficulty defecating, and refuse to let others touch their hindquarters. The dog's anus is swollen, with a unpleasant smell, and yellowish discharge during severe inflammation, which may be mixed with pus. It is recommended to clean the anal glands and inject antibiotics. Severe dogs need systemic antibiotic treatment, and the anal glands should be cleaned after each bath after recovery.

Causes of Anal Sac Inflammation

Dog anal sacs secrete a liquid with a foul smell, which dogs use to recognize each other. The liquid in the anal sacs is expelled outside during defecation, preventing accumulation. If a dog has long-term soft stools, the anal sac liquid accumulates, making it prone to bacterial infection and inflammation of the anal sacs.

Treatment for Anal Sac Inflammation

If only red and swollen, cleaning the dirty matter in the sacs in time will usually resolve the issue. If there is already pus and ulceration, first squeeze out the foreign objects in the anal sacs, then clean the wounds with hydrogen peroxide. If no white foam appears when cleaning the wounds with hydrogen peroxide, it means the cleaning is thorough. Then, wipe the wounds with gauze to dry them. If the dog's inflammation is severe and there is a deep hole after wound cleaning, the dog will need a closure injection, and apply the ointment inside the hole.

How to Express Anal Sacs

Prepare tissues, masks, and gloves. If you plan to give the dog a bath after expressing the anal sacs, prepare bathing supplies as well. Locate the anal sacs. Feel for the anal sacs with your index finger and thumb at the 4 and 8 o'clock positions directly below the anus. You can feel two small, swollen bags, which are the anal sacs. Repeatedly squeeze the anal sacs until they are empty. If pus flows from the anus, or the secretions contain blood or are as thick as toothpaste, it is recommended to take the dog to the hospital for inspection. Expressing anal sacs is recommended once a month or so.