WHAT ARE ANAL SACS
The anal sacs (also called “anal glands”) are two small glands located just before the exit of the anus. The contents secreted into the sacs are thick, oily, and foul-smelling. Most wild animals voluntarily empty the contents of these sacs to mark a particular area or in the case of self-defense, as badgers do, domestic animals have largely lost the ability to voluntarily empty them. Walking and defecating serve to empty these sacs but some animals cannot do this. These bags fill up and cause discomfort. If these bags are full the dogs rub their bottoms on the floor in an attempt to empty them. Some dogs may lick their butt area and some others chase their tails. Cats often lick their fur under the tail. Some animals feel a vague discomfort with their tail down, tremble, show reluctance to walk, or may even hide. Some animals externalize this discomfort by shaking their heads and scratching their ears as if they have an ear infection.
WHAT DO WE DO WHEN HE DRAGS HIS BUTT?
The first step is to look at the anal sacs if the pet has a history of butt-dragging. Anal sacs can be emptied in two ways. 1. Externally. We take enough paper and put it around the anus and press both sides around the anus. If the contents are too thick like a paste, this method may not be sufficient to empty the contents of the bags. Then we have to try the other method the internal one. 2. Internal Wearing a glove, lubricate it with vaseline or oil, and insert our index finger into the anus, holding paper in the same hand with our big finger which is on the outside, we press our fingers, one of which is on the inside (the index finger) and with the big finger which is outside. This process is repeated on the opposite side.
WHAT IF HE CONTINUES TO DRAG HIS BUTT?
If he continues to drag his bottom for more than a few days after the bags have been emptied, then the bags should be checked. In some pets, this process may need to be repeated a few times before they are completely emptied. If the sacs are empty but he continues to drag his butt then there may be some other cause (such as a skin allergy, intestinal worms such as tapeworms, or even lower back pain)
WHAT IF A BAG CANNOT BE EMPTIED?
If something like this happens then an acquisition will be created which will open to the outside which is the skin. This is a painful condition with enough dirtiness and a strong odor that you can often mistake it for bleeding from the anus. If an abscess forms then this should be properly treated by your vet. Antibiotics will be needed.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD THE BAGS BE EMPTIED?
This depends entirely on the situation of each organization. The best advice is to leave your pet alone once their bags are full. If your pet has started dragging his butt then it’s time to look at him.
WHAT IF MY PET’S BAGS NEED TO BE EMPTIED CONTINUOUSLY?
To avoid the ongoing cost of emptying the bags, you can learn to do it yourself at home, but most people feel more comfortable having someone else perform this service for them. A non-invasive technique that helps some patients is changing to a high-fiber diet. This will create bulkier stools which can empty the sacs more effectively during defecation.
SACULECTOMY
This operation is theoretically difficult because several local nerves control fecal continence in the area, the fact that any changes in the local muscular area of the anal sphincter cause fecal incontinence. Of course, the fact of a chronic condition in the anal sacs will also cause anatomical alteration on its own. After an operation, complications such as syria can develop if the sacs are not completely removed. Despite these pitfalls, anal sacs can be removed relatively easily by an experienced surgeon.
