[Yorkie3]

For the 2nd time in a little over a year, Joey's right anal gland burst. Again, he gave no signs whatsoever that his anal glands might be full. No scooting or excessive licking back there.

He woke me up this morning pawing at my head and then scooted along the blanket. I check him and it had burst, absolutely no previous sign until this morning. I was able to get him into our Vet at 8:30 AM and the Dr. suggested removal if it happens again. He showed me pictures of the gland before and after a burst and said that the little canal may be too small for Joey to express his glands when he goes naturally.

Here is some of the information he gave me:

The anal sacs are connected to the anus by means of small canals, or ducts. Anal sacs produce and store a dark, foul-smelling fluid. These are the same types of organs that a skunk has to scare away its enemies. Although dogs can use these for the same purpose, most dogs live in an environment that has no enemies.

The prevalece is higher in smaller breeds of dogs.

There are 3 diseases that occur in the anal sacs: 1: The fluid becomes thick and solidified, the condition is called impaction. 2. When bacteria grow in this material producing a yellow or bloody pus, the condition is called infection. 3. When the infection builds to create a hot, tender swelling in the gland, the condition is called an abscess.
When the abscessed material overflows the sac, the skin over the sac breaks open, and the pus drains onto the skin.

Signs are:

Scooting or dragging the anal area
Excessive licking under the tail
Pain, sometimes severe, near the tail or anus
A swollen area on either side of the anus
Bloody or sticky drainage on either side of the anus.

A physical exam, including a rectal exam, will usually confirm the diagnosis.

The Treatment for impaction is to express the sacs and clean out the solidified material. For infection, the sacs must be expressed and antibiotics administered to kill the bacteria. If the sacs abscess, the abscess must be surgically drained and antibiotics administered.

Some dogs are born with anal canals that do not close well. These dogs are constantly draining anal sac fluid and leaving a foul-smelling drop wherever they have been. This is another indication for anal sac removal. There does not appear to be any other way to stop this, and these dogs usually do not outgrow this problem.

If a dog has several episodes of anal sac disease, the anal sacs can be removed surgically. Because these sacs are virtually unused, there is no loss to the dog. It is the only way to permanently cure the problem.

My Vet recommended we wait and see for right now. It's not an emergency of any type. He did say it is a very delicate surgery, because the Dr. must not cut into any of the muscle back there. Our Vet has done it many times and has a 100% success rate for this type of surgery. He gave me the names of "parents" so I can call and be reassured. Joey would also be "out" quite a bit longer than he was for teeth cleaning and removal, but the Dr. said he would be closely monitored if surgery becomes something needed done. At this point in time, I will wait and see if and when it happens again.


I'm sorry this is so long, but I thought it might be helpful information for someone else.