Anal Sac Disease in Dogs

Anal Sac Disease in Dogs

By: Dr. Cathy Reese

Section: Follow-up

  • Be familiar with your dog's defecation habits. This may sound strange, but it can be very helpful if you notice subtle changes in your dog's fecal size or shape, frequency of defecation, and manner of defecation. The more you are aware of what is "normal" for your dog, the quicker you will be able to notice something going wrong. As with most diseases, early detection and intervention is best.

  • Be familiar with your dog's body. Look under the tail and feel your dog's body. You should be able to detect lumps or weight loss.

  • Bring your dog to your veterinarian for an annual complete physical exam. Develop a relationship with one doctor so that he or she will get to know your dog's body and habits. This will help your veterinarian notice subtle changes from year to year.

  • If your veterinarian prescribes medications or instructions for treatment of one of these diseases, follow their instructions carefully to get the best results.


     
    Printable Version
     
    Have a Pet Question?
    Send Your Pet Question to Dr. Jon
    and His Staff of Veterinarians Ask Dr. Jon
    Dr. Jon's Newsletter
    Yes! Send Me the Latest Health Information, Pet Tips, Pet Stories and more...
     
     

    Related Articles

    • 1 Anal Glands in Dogs

      The anal glands are two glands located on either side of the anus that allow animals to mark their territory and to identify each other. The secretions from these gland are very pungent and may be expressed...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 Colitis in Dogs

      Colitis is an inflammation of the colon, usually resulting in diarrhea. It can occur suddenly and resolve without treatment or may persist for several weeks. In chronic cases, various tests may be needed...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3 Proctitis in Dogs

      Proctitis is an inflammation of the rectum, which is the last part of the large intestine just before the anal opening. It can be caused by parasites, trauma, allergies, disease, tumors or polyps, or it...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 4 Pseudocoprostasis in Dogs

      Pseudocoprostasis is a condition that occurs when fecal matter becomes matted in the hair surrounding the anal opening. Once this occurs, the passage of additional feces becomes quite difficult and complete...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 5 What Is an Anal Gland Removal?

      Anal gland removal is the surgical removal of the anal glands, located on either side of the anus. These glands secrete a pungent smelling odor when the pet defecates or is frightened or alarmed.

      Read MoreRead More
  • Related Articles
    • 1Colitis in Dogs

      Colitis is an inflammation of the colon, usually resulting in diarrhea. It can occur suddenly and resolve without treatment or may persist for several weeks. In chronic cases, various tests may be needed...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2Proctitis in Dogs

      Proctitis is an inflammation of the rectum, which is the last part of the large intestine just before the anal opening. It can be caused by parasites, trauma, allergies, disease, tumors or polyps, or it...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3Pseudocoprostasis in Dogs

      Pseudocoprostasis is a condition that occurs when fecal matter becomes matted in the hair surrounding the anal opening. Once this occurs, the passage of additional feces becomes quite difficult and complete...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 4What Is an Anal Gland Removal?

      Anal gland removal is the surgical removal of the anal glands, located on either side of the anus. These glands secrete a pungent smelling odor when the pet defecates or is frightened or alarmed.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 5Anal Glands in Dogs

      The anal glands are two glands located on either side of the anus that allow animals to mark their territory and to identify each other. The secretions from these gland are very pungent and may be expressed...

      Read MoreRead More
     

    Over 10,000 Veterinarian Approved Articles

    Related Articles
    • 1Colitis in Dogs

      Colitis is an inflammation of the colon, usually resulting in diarrhea. It can occur suddenly and resolve without treatment or may persist for several weeks. In chronic cases, various tests may be needed...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2Proctitis in Dogs

      Proctitis is an inflammation of the rectum, which is the last part of the large intestine just before the anal opening. It can be caused by parasites, trauma, allergies, disease, tumors or polyps, or it...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3Pseudocoprostasis in Dogs

      Pseudocoprostasis is a condition that occurs when fecal matter becomes matted in the hair surrounding the anal opening. Once this occurs, the passage of additional feces becomes quite difficult and complete...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 4What Is an Anal Gland Removal?

      Anal gland removal is the surgical removal of the anal glands, located on either side of the anus. These glands secrete a pungent smelling odor when the pet defecates or is frightened or alarmed.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 5Anal Glands in Dogs

      The anal glands are two glands located on either side of the anus that allow animals to mark their territory and to identify each other. The secretions from these gland are very pungent and may be expressed...

      Read MoreRead More