Anal gland problems in dogs

Content by Dr Siân Burwood MRCVS

The anal glands are two small sacs that sit at the end of the rectum in dogs, storing a strong smelling liquid that is used for scent marking when a dog poos. These glands should naturally empty every time a dog goes for a poo, but if there is any difficulty in passing faeces, the glands may not fully empty and they can become very full. In time this liquid can become solid and even harder to pass, and may even become infected and lead to abscesses. The feeling of a full gland is very uncomfortable for dogs.

Anal gland problems are very common in dogs, and can usually be easily treated.

• The anal glands are two scent glands that sit at the end of a dog’s rectum and should naturally empty every time a poo moves through
• Issues with the glands are a common and easily treated problem seen in veterinary practice
• Internal expression of the gland can diagnose and treat impacted glands, and even infected glands or abscesses rarely need antibiotics
• Anal gland problems are best prevented by feeding a high quality diet that includes enough fibre
• Anal gland problems should always be diagnosed by a vet

Problems with anal glands in dogs are usually caused by changes or issues with a dog’s poo. The anal glands are emptied every time a poo passes through, and so regular passing of large, formed stools that are neither too hard nor too soft is essential. This is created through feeding an appropriate high-quality diet which has enough fibre in it.

Dogs fed high-meat diets – or dogs that get high-fat or high-protein treats – are more likely to have issues with constipation or diarrhoea (in the short or longer term), and anal gland problems go alongside this. Fussy dogs who don’t eat regular meals are also more likely to have anal gland issues.

Anal gland problems can also be a sign of another underlying problem, such as osteoarthritis preventing them from fully emptying their bowels when they toilet. Plus overweight dogs are more likely to have issues with their anal glands. It’s also possible to see cancers of the anal glands.

Anal gland problems can affect any breed but are more frequently seen in small breeds such as:

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
• Terriers
• Shih Tzus
• Lhasa Apsos

This is due both to their naturally small anal glands that fill up very quickly – but these toy breeds are often also fussy eaters, who may be fed high-protein, high-fat diets with lots of treats.

Large breeds can also be affected if their anal glands are so naturally large or deep in the body that any stool would need to be really large to be able to empty it. Dogs such as Beagles and Labradors can also have lots of anal gland issues because of scavenging for treats and human food, and because they’re more likely to be overweight.

The signs of anal gland problems include:

• Scooting (dragging the bottom along the floor)
• Turning round to look at the bottom
• Nibbling or licking around the anus, thighs or lower back
• Discomfort or aggression when the back end is touched
• Reduced appetite
• A strong, fishy odour from the back end

Most dogs are quite individual in how they show their anal glands are uncomfortable, and you will get used to what is usual for your dog.

Sometimes you may not see any of these symptoms until your dog develops an anal gland abscess. This looks like a large swelling to one side of the anus, and the first thing you may see is when this starts bleeding or releasing smelly discharge. Abscesses are very painful and most dogs are quite grumpy or distressed when they happen.

Diagnosis of anal gland problems is done via a history, physical examination, and then your vet carrying out an internal rectal examination. While emptying the anal glands can also be done by a registered veterinary nurse (and groomers are allowed to attempt external expression), remember that diagnosis is something that can only be done by a vet.

Treatment of anal gland problems involves relieving the pressure in the gland in the short term, before addressing the underlying cause to prevent further issues.  Expression of the glands by a vet or registered veterinary nurse can relieve pressure, and the material that is expressed can tell your vet whether it is normal or infected fluid.

Anal gland abscesses can be treated with expression, but will likely also need a course of anti-inflammatories and vet rechecks to make sure the issue has resolved. Antibiotics are not considered necessary for most anal gland problems, including abscesses, but recurrent problems may need a short course. Sometimes antibiotics are instilled directly into the anal gland with the dog under sedation.

Removal of the anal glands is rarely done unless there is a serious underlying cause such as an anal gland tumour. This is because it is a risky surgery that carries a real risk of ongoing incontinence problems.

Anal gland impaction and infections carry an excellent prognosis after treatment. The focus should always be on preventing future issues through feeding a complete, high-quality diet that includes fibre to ensure your dog passes large, formed but soft stools regularly.

There are many safe and effective fibre and probiotic supplements that can be useful for dogs who are prone to anal gland problems. Ask your vet for their recommendation.

“Anal gland problems are something that we see every day in practice. And while not the most pleasant thing we get to do, expression solves most issues.

“I wish more caregivers knew that anal glands do not need emptying in most dogs, and diet is key to preventing anal gland problems… The only time my dog ever needed hers emptying was after my in-laws had given her treats!

“If anal gland problems seem to be a regular thing for your dog, it’s always worth thinking about what the underlying cause is, and always make sure that it is a vet or registered veterinary nurse who is assessing this for you.”

Dr Siân Burwood MA VetMB MRCVS

If you’re thinking about buying a Petgevity Lifetime Plus policy, we’ll consider all pre-existing conditions when offering cover for your dog* – including anal gland problems.

When you apply for dog insurance, you need to let us know:

• Which medical conditions they’ve had in the last two years
• Their health status now

Find out more about Petgevity’s dog insurance for pre-existing conditions.