Anal glands or anal sacs are pretty much what the name says. Glands just under the skin on either side of your dogs anus that naturally express when they defecate. They are located at the 8 and 4 position on either side of your dogs anus, as shown in the above picture. They produce and store a dark and smelly fluid, and, yes, it is as gross as it sounds. They are similar to the organs that a skunk uses to scare away their enemies. However because most dogs don't need to use them for this purpose the fluid can build up, and this can cause some problems.
We see three types of issues with dogs' anal glands; impaction, infection and abscesses.
Impaction is caused by the fluid building up and becoming thick or solidified. To treat impaction the anal gland is manually expressed (squeezed) to removed to clean out the solidified fluid.
Infection is caused by a build up of bacteria within the fluid, and can result in yellow or bloody pus. This is again treated by expressing the glands, and also with a course of antibiotics.
If this infection is not treated an abscess may occur within the gland, where the sac swells, and eventually overflows at which time the sac rupture or burst. This will require antibiotics, and also surgical treatment in some cases.
Some signs that your dogs anal glands need to be expressed include, scooting (dragging bottom along the ground), trying to excessively lick or chew at bottom region, pain or discomfort around tail area, swelling either side of the anus, or discharge from either side of the anus.
Regular visits to the vet to have their anal glands expressed can significantly reduce the chance of your dog having any of this unpleasant issues.
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