Anal glands are present in all dogs and cats and can cause disease in all dogs and cats.

Anal glands are normal anatomical structures found in all dogs and cats. However, for some pets, anal glands can fill and become uncomfortable or even cause infections and other disease.

What are anal glands?

Anal glands are pouches or sacs which are located near the anus. Every dog and cat has a pair of anal glands, one gland located on each side of the anal region. The openings to these glands are located just inside the anus very near the juncture between the anus and the skin at approximately the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock position.

Anal glands in dogs and cats secrete a liquid substance which is held inside of the sac until the animal moves its bowels. In dogs and cats with normal anal glands, this liquid is normally expressed from the glands along with the bowel movement. Many animals will also express the contents of these glands when they become frightened, nervous or excited. This expression will result in a foul smelling, dark colored liquid substance being seen near the rectum of the animal, under the tail or on the floor or ground near the pet.

Cats and dogs "scoot" when anal glands become over-filled

The most common symptom seen in dogs and cats related to the anal glands is scooting (i.e. sitting and pulling their rear across the floor). This occurs when the anal glands fill with fluid and are not expressed properly. Over-filling and inadequate emptying is not an uncommon occurrence, particularly in dogs. When this occurs the anal gland region begins to become uncomfortable for the pet, leading to the scooting behavior. Other symptoms commonly noted are licking and/or biting at the area surrounding the anus and under the tail. Some dogs will hold their tails tucked down and under their legs when their anal glands are bothering them as well.

Expressing the anal glands for a dog or cat

When the anal glands become over-filled, it is possible to manually express them.

• External manual expression involves squeezing the area on either side of the anus to milk the fluid out of the glands. When expressed properly, the fluid from the glands will be visible exiting through the openings near the anus.
• Internal manual expression involves inserting a finger inside of the rectum of the dog and milking the fluid from the anal glands between two fingers, one inside the rectum and one outside. As with the external method, fluid will be visible exiting the anal gland openings when expression is accomplished successfully.

Pet owners who are not comfortable expressing their pet's anal glands should consult a groomer or veterinarian for assistance in emptying the glands.

When anal glands are not emptied in dogs and cats

If intervention does not occur to empty the over-filled anal glands, eventually the fluid inside of the anal glands begins to change in consistency, becoming much thicker and more difficult to express. At this stage, it is often still possible to express the material from the anal glands, however.

Left unexpressed, anal glands can eventually become infected and may even abscess and rupture, leaving an open, painful wound near the anus. Treatment for anal gland infections and/or abscesses may involve flushing the anal gland and treating with antibiotics, either systemically, topically or both. Flushing the diseased anal gland may require sedation for the affected pet. Pain medication may be necessary to relieve the discomfort for these dogs and cats also.

Surgical removal of anal glands

It is possible to surgically remove the anal glands from pets experiencing repeated anal gland issues. Surgical removal of anal glands can lead to complications which may include fecal incontinence if the nerves in the area of the anal glands are disrupted during the course of the surgery. This incontinence may be temporary or permanent.

Anal gland problems are frequently encountered in both dogs and cats, but are especially common in dogs. Pet owners can help avert more serious anal gland disease by observing closely for signs that the anal glands need to be expressed for their pet (scooting, licking or biting at anal region) and expressing the anal glands promptly when necessary.