Surgical Anal Gland Removal
I have a 7 year old spayed female cocker spaniel that seems to need anal gland expression much more frequently now than before. It was done yesterday morning and she was scooting around again last ni...
Forum Discussion
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
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
