Introduction

• Common.
• Retention of anal sac secretions often leading to discomfort, inflammation and infection.
• Cause: unknown but may be related to diet, external anal sphincter dysfunction, undersized anal sac ducts, loose stools, Taenia proglottids lodged in the anal sac duct orifice, blockage of ducts from perineal skin disease, eg from allergy, conformation or obesity and trauma.
• Signs: pain on defecation, tenesmus, licking and biting at the region, “scooting” (rubbing/dragging the perineum on the ground), redness and swelling over the anal sac region.
• Diagnosis: clinical signs, prior history of anal sac impaction, difficulty when attempting to express anal sacs.
• Treatment: express anal sacs and/or vigorously flush and instill an antibiotic ointment in each anal sac. Anal sacculectomy if becomes chronic.

Pathogenesis

Etiology

• Not well researched, but:
  • Low fiber diet.
  • External anal sphincter dysfunction.
  • Undersized anal sac ducts.
  • Loose stools (colitis Colitis: overview).
  • Taenia proglottids  lodged in the anal sac duct orifice (rare).
  • Allergic skin disease Skin: flea bite hypersensitivity; canine atopic dermatitis Skin: atopy, food hypersensitivity/allergy Skin: food hypersensitivity. 
  • Duct obstruction from conformation, mass lesions, obesity Obesity or trauma. 

Predisposing factors

Specific

• Chronic allergy.
• Colitis.
• Low fibre diet. 
• Obesity. 

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prevention

Outcomes