Anal Sac Impaction

Description

The most common disease of the anal sacs where the sac becomes impacted by a viscous, grey-brown secretion. It is caused by a failure of the sacs to empty normally during defecation, obesity, poor muscle tone and generalized seborrhea. The retained secretion can encourage bacterial overgrowth and therefore infection and inflammation.

Signalment

Can occur in any dog of any age, breed or gender however small breed dogs and obese dogs are predisposed. The most common disease affecting the anal sac of the cat, however rare in this species.

Diagnosis

The anal sac region may appear distended and inflamed. On palpation of the perianal tissue, the anal sac may be enlarged, firm and not easily expressed. Impaction can cause the anal sac to rupture and create a draining tract of either normal secretions (pale yellow) or abnormal (grey, brown or green).

History and Clinical Signs

See Anal Sac Disease - General

Treatment

Compression and expression of the sacs by either internal or external forces. The sacs are situated at the 4 and 8 c'clock positions. Internal expression is more effective and external expression reserved for small dogs and cats where it is not possible to place a digit in the rectum. If the contents are too dry, then a softening agent or saline can be placed inside to aid clearance.

Prognosis

Some cases may require regular expression but generally the prognosis is excellent. Certain cases may become chronic or infected leading to Anal Sacculitis or Anal Sac Abscessation.

Literature Search

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Anal Sac Impaction publications

References

Hall, E.J, Simpson, J.W. and Williams, D.A. (2005) BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Gastroenterology (2nd Edition) BSAVA

Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual (Eighth Edition) Merial

Fossum, T. W. et. al. (2007) Small Animal Surgery (Third Edition) Mosby Elsevier ]]