Dog Anal Gland Symptoms & Solutions: Quick Relief Guide

Causes:

Diseases that can lead to obstruction of the anal sac ducts, causing the accumulation of secretions, can trigger this condition. This includes overproduction of anal gland secretions and dysfunction of the external anal sphincter, which can lead to the retention of secretions. This retention can irritate the glandular mucosa, potentially causing inflammation and even ulcers.

Symptoms:

Dogs with anal gland inflammation may exhibit swelling and protrusion of the anal area, with discharge of gray or brown, foulsmelling secretions. Due to pain and itching, dogs often scratch the ground with their anus and lick the anal region. They may resist being touched around the buttocks, have difficulty defecating, and sometimes develop constipation. When their temperature is checked, dogs may cry out, with temperatures ranging from 39.0 to 40.3°C. In severe cases, the anal glands may rupture, releasing yellowbrown, thin secretions mixed with pus.

Longstanding cases may result in ulcers around the anal area. During a rectal examination, a fistula may be visible outside the anus, and the dog's pain response may intensify. The dog may appear pale, with dry nostrils and eyelids, showing signs of depression, reduced appetite, or complete loss of appetite.

Treatment:

Cleaning: If the obstruction is at the anal sac duct opening, the assistant should stand and secure the dog while the operator lifts the dog's tail. Using a cotton ball soaked in antibiotics, clean the anal area, focusing on the gland duct openings. Then, with the right thumb, gently compress the bottom of the anal sacs or, wearing a sterile glove, insert the index finger into the dog's anus to gently squeeze the swollen glands to empty them. Afterward, inject a mixture of iodine glycerin into the glands, three times a day for five days, followed by iodine alcohol once a week until the condition improves.

Enema: Administer a small dose of the Si Huang Decoction via enema. Prepare a 50mL solution (from 500mL of water) using 20g of each of the following herbs: rhubarb, scutellaria, coptis, and phellodendron. Use a 30mL syringe to inject 25mL of the solution into the anus after the dog defecates in the morning and in the afternoon. The dog should not move for one hour after the injection, and the medication should be used for five consecutive days.

For severe pain, add Yuanhu and Honghua; for severe swelling, add Ku shen and Chi shao; for burning sensation, add Ku shen and Bo he; for bleeding, add Huaihua; for mucus in feces, add Wu bei zi and Wu jie gu; for pus in feces, add Bai tou weng, Qin pi, and Wu bei zi; for wounds that do not heal, remove rhubarb and add Huang qi, Wu jie gu, and Ming fan.

External Application: Apply Longxuejie capsules topically. Mix the contents of the capsules with 25mL of 75% ethanol to form a paste, which is then applied directly to the affected area. Cover with sterile gauze and change the dressing three times a day for five days.

Acupoint Injection: For particularly severe cases, antibiotic injections may be necessary. Mix 2mL of Qingdai Xiaoluo霉素 (80,000 units) with 1mL of dexamethasone (2 mg) and inject into the Houchai point, twice a day for five days.