These problems are referred to as dog anal sac disease, anal sac impaction and Sacculitis, which is another name for a canine
anal sac infection.
Not exact matches
Perineal pain is caused by
anal sac inflammation, constipation, cancer, skin fold
infections,
anal fistulas, and clipper burns caused by grooming.
If there is an
infection, the
anal sacs may be flushed out to remove solidified material and an antibiotic may need to be instilled into the
sacs.
(ref1)(ref2)(ref3) In dogs, hot spots, ear
infections, musty skin odor and
anal sac disease are the more obvious results.
Most often, it is an inflammation,
infection, or impaction of the
anal sacs.
Some animals may get the
anal sacs emptied by scooting, grooming themselves, etc., but left untreated, a simple irritation can lead to
infection, impaction, and ultimately abscessation and rupture!
Lack of proper drainage results in
infection / inflammation of the
anal sacs causing burning, itching, difficult or painful BMs.
For example, if your dog licks his or her bottom frequently and swallows bacteria and
anal sac material, it can develop
infections in the tonsils, the stomach, and the upper airway (trachea).
If
anal sac material is abnormal, your veterinarian will send it to a laboratory to determine what is causing the
infection.
Impacted
anal sacs that aren't expressed can eventually lead to
infection and abscess.
Underlying causes may be fleas or other insect bites, allergies, ear
infections, burs or mats in hair, dirty coats,
anal sac problems, or irritant substances.
Atopy (inhalant allergies) are the most common cause but ear
infections have been associated with food allergies, flea allergies and even allergies to the dog's own
anal sac secretions, in some cases.
See also: Allergies and Your Pet,
Anal Sac Disease, Degenerative Joint Disease, Dental Health, Ear
Infections, Exercising Your Pet, Fleas, Geriatric Wellness, Heartworm Disease (Cats), Heartworm Disease (Dogs), Internal Parasites, Neutering Your Pet, Nutrition for Cats, Nutrition for Dogs, Obesity, Spaying Your Pet, Ticks, Vaccinations, Wellness for Your Pet
And, keep in mind that expressing the
anal sacs too often can lead to impacted
anal glands, and failing to care for them may lead to
infection.
For pets with ongoing
infections, we might suggest combining
anal gland expression with preventative treatment methods which can include implementing a weight management program, increasing fiber intake, and for more extreme cases, surgical removal of the
anal sacs and any present tumors; though most affected pets respond well to non-surgical treatment methods.