“Anal Gland Care”

by Dr. Susan Barrett, DVM , WynDancer Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Anal glands are small sacs located on  both sides of the anus. Their function is to secrete material used for territorial marking. The secretions are expressed naturally when dogs scoot their rear ends. The distinguishing smell of skunks are from anal gland secretions.

In dogs, rear scooting occurs because of anal itching. Poor anal hygiene or allergies leads to chronic anal inflammation which may result in an anal gland abscess. Regular bathing prevents anal gland inflammation. For daily hygiene, use baby wipes to clean the anal area and pat dry with a soft paper towel. Regular exercise helps to naturally express the glands and prevents infection by regular bowel movements. 

An anal gland abscess occurs when bacteria move up the duct, overgrow and cause inflammation. Swelling shuts the duct of the gland. Bacterial inflammation results in pus formation. An obstructed anal duct results in an anal abscess. When the abscess ruptured, owners report a draining discharge from the rectal area. 

Treatment includes systemic antibiotics. Convenia, the antibiotic of choice, is administered by injection and remains in the bloodstream for two weeks.  Warm saline compresses  applied to the swollen area increases blood circulation and promotes healing.  Frequently, an anal abscess requires flushing with an antiseptic solution and placement of an antibiotic ointment wick/catheter into the tract to ensure clearance of the infection.

Anal glands are skin tissue. Pollen, food or flea allergies can cause inflammation of the anal gland. Fleas tend to crawl near and into the rump area. Systemic reactions to fleas may occur. 

Keep hair trimmed away from the anus to visualize the anal area. Clean this area daily. Using a vinyl protective glove, run your hand alongside both anal areas to check for gland fullness. It is not recommended to regularly express anal glands. Seek Veterinary care if the glands appear enlarged, full or inflamed or if your dog is scooting their rear. Your Veterinarian may express full anal glands by inserting a lubed forefinger into the anus/rectum and using their thumb to gently express an outward motion. If you are bathing and they feel full I externally apply gently pressure on the glands to see if they express easily.  I only exert light pressure and avoid overzealous “squeezing”. Often, liquid is easily expressed by external gentle compression. If nothing comes out and the glands still feel full then internal expression of the gland is warranted.  If the glandular secretion hardens into the consistency of toothpaste then external expression should not be done.

Instead, express with the internal method to avoid moving secretions  backwards into the sac which can cause infection. Internal anal gland expression should only be performed by your Veterinarian. 

If the glands are filling up and inflamed despite routine anal hygiene, consider  allergy. Other common signs of allergy include scratching at inflamed ears, incessant paw licking licks or inflamed abdominal skin.

Allergy is a known cause of skin inflammation. Chronic inflammation of anal gland skin causes blockage of the anal gland ducts and sets up infection. Using blood or saliva, Hemopet lab offers pollen and food allergy in vitro testing. 

If pollen allergy is identified, Cytopoint  injection (Zoetis)  every 6 to 8 weeks maybe warranted. This biologic agent works to inhibit interleukin 31, a critical mediator in the inflammatory pathway. 

If food allergy is suspected, change  to a hydrolyzed food such as from Royal Canine, Purina or Science Diet.    

Ensure adequate exercise and hydration for regular bowel movements which encourages good anal hygiene.

Avoid frequent or aggressive expressing of anal glands that can cause irritation, inflammation and may result in anal gland infection. It is not recommended to frequently and regularly express anal glands. This maneuver can cause swelling, close the duct with resultant anal gland infection. Remind your groomer to avoid external gland expression 

Dr. Susan Barrett, DVM, WynDancer Cavaliers/ AKC Breeder of Merit and Home to Champions. Founder of the Facebook group Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Health & Breeding.

photo courtesy of Glandex