Anal Sacculitis
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Signalment
Description
Infection of the anal sac leading to an abscess or cellulitis.
Diagnosis
History and Clinical Signs
- See Anal Sac Disease - General
- The sacs are painful
- Fever if the sacculitis is severe
- Contents of the anal sac may appear bloody, purulent and may be increased in volume
- If it ruptures, the tracts will be at the 4 or 8 o'clock positions
- It may be difficult to express the anal sac
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 wothout the use of a corticosteroid)
The flushing may need to repeated at 10-14day intervals until resolution.
- May require anal sacculectomy 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