Anal Sac Removal (Sacculectomy) in Dogs

Anal sac removal or sacculectomy is a surgical procedure your vet may carry out to remove a dog’s anal glands. It’s performed to treat chronic anal sac issues such as infection, impaction, or cancerous growths. If your vet has recommended this surgery for your dog, it is normal to have many questions and concerns. This article will discuss everything you need to know about anal sacculectomy, including why it might be indicated, what the surgery involves, and what to expect during your dog’s recovery period.

Understanding Anal Sacs and their Function

Anal sacs (often called anal glands) are two small scent glands located just inside your dog’s anus. They are located at the 4 o clock and 8 o clock positions around the anus. They sit in between the external and internal anal sphincter muscles. The glands produce a strong-smelling secretion, often described as a fishy aroma, that helps dogs mark their territory and communicate with other dogs. Normally, these sacs will empty naturally when a dog defecates, but sometimes they become infected, impacted, or abscessed, leading to a great deal of discomfort and pain.

Clinical Signs of Anal gland Issues

A classic sign of anal gland issues in dogs is scooting their bottom along the floor, something many owners may recognise and be familiar with. Dogs with persistent anal sac problems may also exhibit other signs, such as

Excessive licking or biting around the anus
Rubbing their bottom on furniture
Straining or discomfort when passing stools
Foul-smelling discharge with a fishy aroma from the anal area
Blood from around the anal area
Sudden yelping or signs of pain when sitting down
Aggression when touched near bottom/tail area

While many dogs never experience anal sac issues, some breeds, particularly small breeds like Pugs, Chihuahuas, and Shih Tzus, seem predisposed to problems. Lifestyle factors such as diet and weight can also contribute to recurrent anal sac disease.

When Is Anal Gland Sacculectomy Indicated?

Anal gland sacculectomy is typically recommended in the following situations:

Repeated infections or abscesses that do not respond well to treatment
Chronic anal saculitis where the sacs repeatedly become inflamed and become more difficult to express.
Tumours within the anal sacs – these can be either benign or malignant.
Chronic impaction, where the sacs frequently become clogged and require manual expression.
Any injury or condition affecting the glands that causes severe discomfort which affects a dog’s quality of life.

Usually, your vet will attempt conservative management strategies before considering surgery. These include simple things like dietary changes, increased fiber intake, regular manual expression, and antibiotics for infections. However, if these approaches fail, removal may be the best long-term solution.

Types of Sacculectomy Procedures

There are two different techniques described for anal sac removal:

1. Open Sacculectomy

This approach involves making an incision over the anal sac, opening it up, and then removing the gland. While it provides excellent visibility and control, it carries a slightly higher risk of post-operative infection due to exposure to the gland’s contents during surgery.

2. Closed Sacculectomy

The preferred technique in most cases, closed sacculectomy involves removing the entire sac without opening it. This reduces the risk of contamination and infection, making it the safer option for most dogs.

Your vet will determine the best surgical approach based on your dog’s condition and medical history.

The Sacculectomy Procedure: What Happens?

Sacculectomy is a routine but intricate surgery performed under general anaesthesia. Here’s what to expect:

Pre-Surgical Assessment

Your vet will carry out a full examination and may recommend blood tests to ensure your dog is fit for surgery. In cases of suspected tumours, additional diagnostics such as ultrasound, x-rays or biopsy may be needed.

Anaesthesia and Preparation

Your vet will administer a premedication injection which is usually a combination of analgesics and sedatives. This is given before the general anesthetic and is an important part of the anesthetic protocol.

Your vet will then put your dog under general anaesthetic. They will be asleep and will not be able to feel anything during the operation. Your dog will be carefully positioned on an operating table. Fur will be clipped away from the surgical site. The area will then be cleaned with a surgical scrub solution to ensure sterility.

Surgery

Your vet will make a small incision near the anus and carefully remove one or both anal sacs (depending on whether the problem is affecting both of them or just one sac). Precision is crucial to avoid damaging surrounding structures, such as the anal sphincter. The incision will then be closed with stitches.

Recovery

Your dog will be woken up from the general anesthetic and they will be taken to a kennel to be monitored closely as they recover. They will be given pain relief after they wake up and some to go home with too. Depending on the situation your vet may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.

Potential Risks and Complications

As with any surgery, anal sacculectomy carries some risks. Although rest assured complications are rare when performed by an experienced vet. Possible issues include:

Temporary faecal incontinence, especially if there is any nerve damage (this is usually short-lived and resolves within a few weeks).
Infection at the surgical site, due to the location of the surgical incision there is a high risk of fecal contamination and infection.

Scar tissue formation that can cause narrowing of the anus (stricture), though this is uncommon
Pain and discomfort, unfortunately, postoperative pain is common. The good news is it can be managed with pain medication. Owners need to be aware that dogs may experience increased discomfort when attempting to pass faeces.
Bleeding, minor bleeding can occur at the surgical site. This is usually managed with pressure application but if you notice bleeding when you have taken your dog home, always contact your vet.
Incomplete removal, in some cases small remnants of the anal gland can be left, leading to abscess formation.
Dehiscence: The surgical wound may partially open up, due to excessive straining or issues with healing. This will require additional treatment.
Swelling and discomfort for a few days post-surgery

Your vet will take every precaution to minimise these risks and will discuss any concerns you have beforehand. Factors that may increase the risk of complications include recurrent or chronic infections being present which has led to chronic inflammatory changes. Underlying medical conditions may mean a higher risk of complications too.

Post-Operative Care: Helping Your Dog Recover

Recovery from anal sac removal is usually straightforward, but there are a few things you can do to help your dog on their road to recovery:

Pain Management: Your vet will prescribe painkillers, so always be sure to give these as directed. If your dog seems uncomfortable despite having pain relief, contact your vet for advice.
Antibiotics: If your dog has been prescribed antibiotics, be sure to follow the prescribed regime to control or prevent infection.
Buster Collar (aka the Cone of Shame!): Preventing your dog from licking or chewing at the surgical site is crucial to avoid infection.
Dietary Adjustments: A high-fibre diet can help to keep stools soft and prevent excessive straining during bowel movements.
Exercise Restriction – Your vet is likely to recommend short lead walks for the first 14 days and a gradual increase in exercise after this. Any vigorous activities, jumping or strenuous play should be avoided in the first few weeks post-surgery too to allow for proper healing.
Hygiene and Monitoring: Keep the area clean and dry, and watch for any signs of infection, such as redness, excessive bleeding, swelling, or discharge.
Follow up appointments: Always attend any post-op checks or follow-up appointments. It is very important your vet is able to assess how the surgical site is healing and remove sutures if necessary.

Long-Term Outlook: How do dogs function without their anal sacs?

The good news is that your dog will cope just fine without their anal sacs. It is important to remember that these glands are not vital to your dog’s health, especially in domesticated dogs. They can live perfectly well without them if removal is indicated for medical reasons.

Once the surgical site has healed, your dog should be able to live comfortably without any ongoing issues. If they had recurring infections or discomfort before, it is likely they will have a much better quality of life now the source of the problem has been removed.

The prognosis for your dog after the surgery will depend on the reason the surgery was carried out. If a tumour was removed, there may have been metastatic disease which requires further treatment and monitoring. Your vet will be able to advise you of the best course of action.

Most pet owners report that their dog is happier, healthier, and more comfortable after the surgery.

Alternatives to Surgery

For dogs with only mild or occasional anal sac issues, surgery may not be necessary. Some alternatives include:

Regular manual expression performed by a vet or vet nurse
High-fibre diets to promote natural expression when passing faeces
Topical treatments and antibiotics for infections

However, these approaches may not work for dogs with chronic or severe issues, making sacculectomy the best option in such cases.

Final Thoughts

If your dog suffers from chronic anal sac problems, anal gland sacculectomy can be a life-changing procedure. While it’s natural to worry about surgery, rest assured that in the hands of a skilled vet, the procedure is safe and effective. If you are considering anal gland sacculectomy for your dog, have a chat with your vet about the risks, benefits, and any alternative treatments. Every dog is different, and your vet will help you make the best decision for your furry friend.