Surgical Anal Gland Removal

rollexx wrote:
Several years ago while we were on vacation in California we noticed a large bulge under our Doxy's tail. Took him to a vet in Monterey . They told us it was an impacted anal gland and recommended removing. They did the surgery that day, picked him up the next. This was 4 or 5 years ago but the bill was around $400 if I remember right. Other than having to wear the " cone of shame" for a few days, all went well and he didn't have any complications.

An impacted anal sac does not usually require removal. If there is an abscess in the impacted gland it needs to be drained and flushed. This is a surgical procedure, but the gland is not removed. The $400 price range is pretty common for this procedure in city or suburban areas.

Doug, DVM

Several years ago while we were on vacation in California we noticed a large bulge under our Doxy's tail. Took him to a vet in Monterey . They told us it was an impacted anal gland and recommended removing. They did the surgery that day, picked him up the next. This was 4 or 5 years ago but the bill was around $400 if I remember right. Other than having to wear the " cone of shame" for a few days, all went well and he didn't have any complications.

Dr. Doug, so glad you stated that it should be a last resort. As raindove recounted, one problem resolved can lead to another.

We had a dachshund whose anal glands were constantly relieving themselves on us, when we had her on our laps. It was happening several times a day.. We had the anal glands removed. After the surgery, the dog was chronically constipated. I would only have it done as a last resort. I didn't want to really have it done to her at the time, but we ran out of options. This was probably going on 20 yrs ago. They probably have more options available now.

I consider the anal sac removal more of a last resort rather than an early option because of discomfort or frequent need to have them emptied.

There are several nerves in the area, a communication to the rectum and in an area that cannot be protected from contamination post surgery. This all leads to a higher risk of complications. Most are temporary but significant enough to warrant consideration.

Those I've done usually have been required due to tumors in the gland or very serious recurrent infections, not just repeated need for expression.

Another treatment I've had success with is to instill an antibiotic/cortisone ointment into the sac. This requires mild sedation or a very cooperative patient, but I am often able to achieve this in the exam room. Basically a blunt needle is threaded through the duct and into the anal sac then the ointment is instilled.

I've had patients that also benefit from a low dose of steroid or pain medication after expressing the gland. That seems to help with the lingering itching or irritation.

Anal Sacs

Doug, DVM

My friend's little dog (littermate to one of ours) had to have that surgery on an emergency basis. She was in the hospital for days and the bill was a whole lot more than $500. Ask your vet to define "candidate." If your pooch meets that criteria, give it serious thought. You know how those vet emergencies always seem to occur at night or on the weekend.

Dogs also get itchy butts just like people. I have seen dogs do that occasionally and not on a continuous basis for that reason. I have also seen dogs do that when they had dried feces under their tail, even just a small amount. It also could be an allergy if it is a continuous thing. My daughter's lab got itchy sores on his butt after ( it took a while to figure it out) his heartworm pill. Anal glands are not the only reason they do that.

It isn't unusual for my dogs to scoot right after having it done. I think it irritates them or something but after a day or two, that's over. And that doesn't happen every time.

Have you tried adding fiber to the diet? Like canned pumpkin? It will aid with elimination and that may help with the normal anal gland expression.

Just a thought.

Dale

The only question is do you trust your vet or our opinions?
You have to trust someone and if you do not trust the vets judgement then I suggest you might need a new vet.

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