Anal Gland Removal
All dogs and cats have anal sacs, one each side of the anus. Each is a small "bag" that is lined with fluid-producing glands. The bag can hold up to 2ml of a very strong-smelling fluid which is emptied out onto a faecal motion as it passes through the anus. It's a form of personal smell marker - a sort of labelling system for the poo that says "this is one of mine". It's one of several means of marking territory - and when it's working well you'd never know it was there.
BUT, if the anal glands are over-full, dried up, inflamed or infected then they become uncomfortable, itchy or  painful. Dogs show this usually by rubbing their bottom on the floor - "scooting", (or "flop-bot" as Mrs Pumphrey called it in James Herriot's stories). These dogs need their anal glands emptying by the vet. If infection persists an abscess can form and burst out through a bleeding hole at the side of the anus.

Holly is a 4 yr old Cocker Spaniel.  She's had a persistent anal gland infection but so far not much discomfort. However, the infected anal glands keep leaking out a terrible smelling fluid and she's hard to live with! Infections like this usually end up as an abscess so we decided to remove her anal glands

1. Here's the anus at the start of surgery.

2. Probe into right anal sac

3. Opening into anal sac canal

4. Tunnelling under anal sac canal

5. Opening up the anal sac

6. Removing the anal sac tissue

7. Both anal sacs removed 

8. Left and right wounds closed

9.Operation site 1 week later

Holly made a good recovery with very little discomfort and was passing motions normally within a couple of days.  Anal gland removal is a very effective way of resolving anal gland problems. It is important that the surgery is performed by an experienced surgeon.

10. Holly looking more worried that she really is!

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