My dog always has to have his anal glands squeezed out. What purpose do they serve?

What are popularly termed the anal glands of dogs, but should strictly be called the anal sacs, are two small pouches situated on either side of, and a little below, the anus (i.e. at about the four o’clock and eight o’clock positions). They vary in size from a pea to a walnut, though in a medium sized dog they are about 2/5 inch (1 em) across. A small duct, or tube, leads from each to open at the anus. In their walls are numerous glands producing a secretion (very pungent and unpleasant smelling to us) that is stored in the sacs. This secretion is a thick, grayish liquid which acts as a scent marker. When the dog passes a motion some of this liquid is squeezed out of the sacs to be deposited on the stool so that other dogs will be able to identify it – an important aspect of inter-canine communication. Some dogs will also evacuate the sacs when frightened.

Unfortunately in many domesticated dogs the sacs fail to empty properly (often because the duct becomes blocked) so that the secretion accumulates and distends the sacs causing them to press on adjacent structures. The dog shows evidence of discomfort, frequently rubbing its rear end on the floor or trying to lick or bite around its anus to relieve the irritation.

It is to remove this accumulated material that the sacs are squeezed. It can be done either by gently squeezing both sacs together into a pad of cotton wool held over the anus, or, with a hand covered by a plastic glove, inserting a finger through the anus and squeezing out each sac in turn. If the secretion has solidified it may be necessary to flush the sac out while the dog is anaesthetized.

If untreated the impacted secretion may become infected, giving rise to a painful abscess alongside the anus; this is often so painful that the dog tries not to defecate. Ultimately this will burst open on to the surface, though your vet may lance it to save the dog further suffering and permit drainage. The opened abscess is then treated.

Many dogs, especially of the smaller breeds, may require to have their anal sacs emptied at frequent intervals and may even be subjected to repeated abscesses. If so, your vet may recommend surgical removal of the anal sacs as an effective and permanent solution to the problem.

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