Anal Sacculitis
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Description
Infection and inflammation of the anal sac leading to an abscess or cellulitis. Anal sacculitis can have a variety of predisposing factors including obesity, diet, skin disease, colitis and perianal swelling.
Signalment
A common condition of older small breed dogs, particularly chihuhuas and poodles.
Diagnosis
History and Clinical Signs
The anal sacs are enlarged and inflammed aand often painful. Typically owners report that the animal has been licking the peineal region and scooting. Contents of the anal sac may appear bloody, purulent and may be increased in volume, fever may be present if the sacculitis is severe. If the anal sac ruptures, the tracts will be at the 4 or 8 o'clock positions. See Anal Sac Disease - General for further signs.
Treatment
Due to the pain, sedation or general anaesthetic may be needed to allow expression. After expression the sacs should be flushed follwoing cannulation. The glands can be flushed using:
- Lactated Ringer's
- Mild antiseptic solution such as 0.05% chlorhexidine.
Following flushing, antibiotics should be used either systemically or topically (with or without the use of a corticosteroid) The flushing may need to be repeated at 10-14day intervals until resolution. In severe cases anal sacculectomy may be requires of which an open technique is preferable.
Prognosis
Is usually good
References
Hall, E.J, Simpson, J.W. and Williams, D.A. (2005) BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Gastroenterology (2nd Edition) BSAVA
Nelson, R.W. and Couto, C. G. (2009) Small Animal Internal Medicine (4th Edition) Mosby Elsevier
Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual
Foster, A. and Foil, C. (2003) BSAVA Manual of Small Animal Dermatology (2nd Edition) BSAVA