Anal gland inflammation

What are anal glands?

Anal glands are two small glands located to the left and right of your dog's anus. They produce a brownish secretion that gives the dog's excrement an individual odor and serves to mark territory. Normally, the secretion is released together with the stool when your dog defecates.

How does anal gland inflammation develop?

Anal gland inflammation is usually caused by a blockage or blockage of the ducts of the anal glands. The secretions can then no longer drain away and accumulate in the glands. This allows bacteria to multiply and trigger an inflammation.

The most common causes of blockage of the anal glands are

• Dog feces that are too soft or too hard: If your dog's feces are too soft or too hard, there is not enough pressure to push the secretions out of the glands. The feces should have a firm, but not too dry consistency.
• Long or thick fur: If your dog has long or thick fur in the anal area, it can block the excretory ducts of the anal glands. You should trim or brush the coat regularly to keep it clean.
• Over-acidified colon flora: If your dog's intestinal flora is out of balance, acids and toxins can rise into the anal sacs and harden or increase the secretions.
• Pathologically increased gland function : In rare cases, your dog may have a genetically caused hyperfunction of the anal glands and produce too much secretion.
• Inflammation of neighboring organs: In very rare cases, inflammation of neighboring organs, such as the prostate, can constrict the excretory ducts of the anal glands.

What are the symptoms of anal gland inflammation?

Anal gland inflammation is very unpleasant and painful for your dog. The typical symptoms are

• Sledding: Your dog slides his rear end across the floor to relieve the pressure or itching in the anal glands.
• Licking or biting the anal region: Your dog often licks or bites his anus to relieve the irritation. This can cause additional wounds or eczema.
• Pain when defecating, sitting or walking: Your dog shows expressions of pain when defecating or avoids sitting or moving.
• Aggressive behavior when the rear end is touched: Your dog reacts aggressively or fearfully when you touch or examine his rear end.
• Blood or pus in the anus: Your dog has bloody or purulent secretions in the anus, indicating advanced inflammation.
• Fever: Your dog has a fever, which indicates a severe infection.
• Ruptured anal glands: In very severe cases, the anal glands can rupture and leave pus-filled, open wounds.

How is anal gland inflammation diagnosed and treated?

If you notice one or more of the above symptoms in your dog, you should definitely take him to the vet. The vet will thoroughly palpate your dog's anal region and perform a rectal examination to assess the condition of the anal glands.

Treatment for anal gland inflammation depends on the severity of the condition. In most cases, the vet will express the blocked anal glands to remove the secretions. Expressing the anal glands is very uncomfortable for your dog and should only be done by a vet or an experienced groomer. You should not try to do it yourself, as you could cause your dog pain or make the inflammation worse.

If the anal glands are inflamed, the vet will also flush them with an antiseptic solution and administer an antibiotic or painkiller if necessary. If the anal glands have burst, they must be surgically cleaned and repaired.

In very rare cases, it may be necessary to remove the anal glands surgically if they are chronically inflamed or repeatedly cause problems. However, this should only be considered as a last resort, as it can lead to complications such as incontinence or fecal incontinence.

What home remedies help with anal gland inflammation?

In addition to veterinary treatment, you can also help your dog with some home remedies to alleviate the symptoms and promote healing. The following home remedies can be useful:

• Chamomile tea: Chamomile has an anti-inflammatory and calming effect. You can make chamomile tea and leave it to cool. You can then soak a clean cloth in it and place it on your dog's anal region. You can repeat this several times a day.
• Curdcompress: Curd has a cooling and decongestant effect. You can spread some curd cheese on a clean cloth and place it on your dog's anal region. You can repeat this several times a day for about 15 minutes.
• Aloe vera gel: Aloe vera has a healing and moisturizing effect. You can apply some aloe vera gel to your dog's irritated skin. You can repeat this several times a day.
• Coconut oil:Coconut oil has an antibacterial and nourishing effect. You can apply some coconut oil to your dog's irritated skin. You can repeat this several times a day.

How can you prevent anal gland inflammation?

The best prevention against anal gland inflammation is a healthy diet and good hygiene for your dog. The following tips can help:

• Feed your dog high-quality food that contains sufficient fiber. Fiber ensures a firm but not too dry stool that optimally empties the anal glands.
• Avoid giving your dog too many treats or table scraps, which can soften his stool.
• Give your dog plenty of fresh water to keep him hydrated.
• Trim or brush the fur in the anal area regularly to keep it clean.
• Check your dog's anal region regularly for signs of constipation or inflammation.
• Have your dog's anal glands checked regularly by a vet or an experienced groomer and expressed if necessary.