Anal Sac Disease in Cats
Key takeaways
The anal glands (AGs) are two small pouches located on either side of the anus. The glands produce secretions that are stored, then deposited on the feces during the passage of a stool.
- AG disease occurs when the secretions remain in the glands for extended periods of time resulting in itchiness and infection
- Cats with anal sac disease present with overgrooming, and licking or chewing around the tail base and hind legs, straining to defecate, painful defecation, and resistance to examination of the area
- Diagnosis involves physical examination and bacterial culture
- Treatment focuses on manual expression alongside either medication such as antibiotics, or surgical flushing or removal in recurrent cases
- AG disease is rare in cats and the prognosis is good but some cases recur
- The prognosis following surgery is excellent but complications are possible
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A closer look: Anal Sac Disease in Cats
AG impaction is a distressing, and painful condition in cats but resolves with manual expression (manually stimulating the glands to release their stored secretions), but is often recurrent and can be a frustrating condition to manage.
Recurrent cases can be definitively resolved with surgical removal of the AGs but is reserved for severe cases due to the risk of complications including fecal incontinence.
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Risk factors
Sometimes an infected anal gland will form an abscess, which may rupture through the skin and drain. This presents as a painful wound in the skin next to the anus.
Very rarely, cats develop AG tumors which present as a lump in the AG, usually found during manual expression.
More serious conditions such as AG abscessation or tumors are rare in cats but persistent AG issues warrant prompt veterinary attention.
Possible causes
The underlying mechanism of AG disease in cats is unknown. AG disease is a broad term which includes impaction resulting in inflammation, infection, and abscessation. Possible triggers include:
- Diet
- Loose stools
- Abnormal shape or positioning of the AGs
- Dysfunction of the sphincter muscle
- Obesity
Main symptoms
Testing and diagnosis
Further investigation of AG disease involves:
- Physical examination
- Culture and sensitivity of AG secretions
- Biopsy - if lumps are present in the AG
Steps to Recovery
Treatment options include:
- Manual AG expression: manual stimulation of the glands to release the impacted secretions
- Antibiotics
- Steroids
- AG flushing and instillation of antibiotic and steroid liquid into the AGs
- Surgical removal of the AGs in recurrent cases or where tumors are suspected
Symptoms normally resolve within a day or two of treatment. Recurrence is common in the absence of treatment for underlying conditions contributing to anal gland disease.
Prognosis following surgical removal is excellent, but possible complications like fecal incontinence are important to consider.
Prevention
AG disease is difficult to prevent as the underlying disease mechanism is often unknown. Some recurrent cases may be prevented with dietary management of loose stools and control of body weight. Other options include regular use of veterinary approved antiparasitic medication, and control of skin disease around the anus and hindlimbs.
Is Anal Sac Disease in Cats common?
AG disease is rare in cats, but some cats have recurrent bouts of AG disease.
Typical Treatment
- Manual expression
- Antibiotics
- Steroids
- AG flushing
- AG removal
