Feline Anal Sac Disease

What are anal sacs?

The anal sacs are small glands located alongside the anus at the four o'clock and eight o'clock position. The glands empty into the anus through small ducts. They produce a foul smelling secretion. These are the same glands that make a skunk a skunk. Because the sacs are rarely emptied, the fluid builds up, solidifies, and becomes an ideal environment in which bacteria can grow.

Can anal sacs cause problems for my pet?

Yes, there are several problems that can occur. First, the fluid may become thickened and solidify, leading to a condition called an impaction. The bacteria that are naturally present in that area can produce an infection. Pus collects in the anal sac and forms an abscess. The area becomes tender and swollen and the skin over the anal sac breaks open so that the pus may drain out.

How do I know if my pet is having problems with its anal sacs?

Symptoms of anal sac disease include excessive licking or grooming under the tail, scooting and dragging the anal area on the ground, generalized pain or swelling around the anal area, and finally any bloody, or foul discharge from the area.

Can Anal Sac disease be treated?

Yes, that treatment depends on the problem. If there is just an impaction your veterinarian can clean out the anal sacs. If there is an infection, the sacs must be cleaned out, and antibiotics given. More serious conditions, such as an abscess may require surgery.

Once the problem is treated does it ever come back?

Unfortunately, sometimes the problem can reoccur. Obese cats tend to have more problems. If the problem occurs more than a few times, you may want to discuss having your veterinarian surgically removed the anal sacs. This assures your pet a solution to the problem.

Sometimes my cat leaves a foul-smelling liquid on the furniture. What is that?

That is the normal secretion produced by the anal sac. If the problem is chronic you may want to discuss having your veterinarian surgically removed them. Some cats have anal canals that do not close well. These animals are constantly leaving a foul-smelling discharge wherever they have been. This is another indication for anal sac removal since there does not appear to be any other way to stop this.

by William M. Fraser, D.V.M.

petEncyclopedia | Contact Us