Pet owners may become alarmed when their dog or cat exhibits anal issues. Pet owners may notice their animal scooting their rear end across the floor or lawn, licking or biting at their anal area or straining during defecation. When this occurs, their anal glands often become blocked with thick oily material that causes discomfort as well as health concerns that need to be addressed by a veterinarian quickly in order to avoid abscesses and infection risk.
Anal glands are two small pouches found either side of the anus that produce a pungent secretion, usually squeezed out onto feces via muscular contractions, to mark territory and deter predators by scent. When these glands become blocked or become infected they cannot empty themselves on their own, becoming infected and painful over time.
Upon discovering an impaction, your veterinarian can address it through flushing sacs with liquid medications or lancing an abscess for drainage. They may also suggest antibiotic or anti-inflammatory treatments as ways to manage inflammation and infection.
To prevent anal gland issues in pets, the veterinarian will often suggest diet changes. An increase in fiber can help firm up stools while adding novel proteins like bison can also be beneficial. In addition, some pets may benefit from having their anal glands expressed semi-regularly by the veterinarian; although most dogs and cats will find this process uncomfortable.