CONDITION

Anal Gland Disease

Why this matters now

Anal gland issues can occur at any age but tend to appear more frequently in adult dogs, particularly those with certain anatomical features, dietary patterns, or underlying skin conditions. Many dogs experience occasional discomfort that resolves without intervention, while others develop recurring problems that can significantly affect their quality of life.

Initial presentations often involve intermittent scooting or licking that may come and go over weeks. Without appropriate management, impacted glands can become infected, forming abscesses that may rupture through the skin near the anus. Some dogs develop chronic inflammation that leads to scarring and increasingly difficult expression of gland contents over time.

Signals & patterns

Early signals

Scooting along the ground

Dogs may drag their rear end across carpets, grass, or other surfaces in an attempt to relieve discomfort or express the glands naturally.

Excessive licking of the hindquarters

Focused attention on the area around the anus, often occurring more frequently after defecation or when resting.

Fishy or unpleasant odour

A distinct pungent smell may become noticeable, particularly when the dog sits or when gland contents leak onto furniture or bedding.

Turning to look at the rear end

Dogs may seem preoccupied with their hindquarters, repeatedly turning to sniff or inspect the area.

Later signals

Visible swelling near the anus

Infected or abscessed glands can cause noticeable bulging on one or both sides of the anus, sometimes with discolouration of the overlying skin.

Discharge or bleeding from the area

Ruptured abscesses may produce bloody, purulent discharge, often leaving staining on bedding or where the dog has been sitting.

Reluctance to sit or discomfort when doing so

Dogs may shift weight frequently, avoid sitting entirely, or cry out when pressure is applied to the affected area.

Click to read about the biological mechanisms

How this is usually investigated

Diagnosis typically involves physical examination of the anal area, with palpation to assess gland size, consistency, and tenderness. The secretion characteristics often provide useful information about the gland status.

Physical examination and palpation

Purpose: To assess gland fullness, consistency, pain response, and any signs of swelling or rupture.
Considerations: Expressing the glands during examination allows assessment of secretion colour and consistency, which can indicate infection or chronic changes.

Visual inspection of secretion

Purpose: Normal secretions tend to be brownish and somewhat liquid, while infected material may appear thick, discoloured, or contain blood.
Considerations: Changes in secretion character often guide treatment decisions regarding antibiotics or further investigation.

Culture and sensitivity testing

Purpose: In cases of suspected infection or recurrent abscesses, identifying the bacteria involved may help guide antibiotic selection.
Considerations: This approach tends to be reserved for cases not responding to initial treatment or those with severe presentations.

Investigation for underlying conditions

Purpose: Chronic or recurrent anal gland problems may warrant investigation into allergies, dietary factors, or other conditions affecting stool quality.
Considerations: Some dogs with persistent issues benefit from broader evaluation of skin health and gastrointestinal function.

Options & trade-offs

Management approaches range from simple expression to surgical intervention, depending on the nature and frequency of problems.

Manual expression

Emptying the glands manually, either externally or internally, removes accumulated secretions and often provides relief.

Trade-offs: Effective for impaction but requires ongoing repetition if underlying causes persist. Some dogs find the procedure uncomfortable.

Dietary modification

Adjusting fibre content may help produce firmer stools that provide better natural expression during defecation.

Trade-offs: A non-invasive approach that addresses underlying mechanics, though results can be variable and may take time to assess.

Medical treatment for infection

Antibiotics and sometimes anti-inflammatory medications may be used when infection is present.

Trade-offs: Necessary for infected glands but does not address the underlying tendency toward impaction if that persists.

Anal sacculectomy (surgical removal)

Permanent removal of one or both anal glands eliminates the source of recurrent problems.

Trade-offs: Resolves the issue definitively but carries surgical risks including potential for faecal incontinence if nerves are damaged. Generally reserved for severe or repeatedly problematic cases.

Common misconceptions

Misconception:

"All dogs need regular anal gland expression"

Reality:

Many dogs naturally express their glands during defecation and may never need manual intervention. Routine expression without indication can sometimes cause irritation.

Misconception:

"Scooting always means worms"

Reality:

While intestinal parasites can cause scooting, anal gland discomfort is often a more common explanation in adult dogs, particularly when other signs of gland issues are present.

Misconception:

"Anal gland problems only affect small dogs"

Reality:

While certain body conformations may predispose some breeds, dogs of any size can develop anal gland issues.

Dogs showing signs of anal discomfort may benefit from examination to determine whether gland impaction, infection, or other causes are involved. Recurring issues sometimes warrant investigation into underlying factors such as diet, stool consistency, or allergic skin disease that may be contributing to the pattern.

Last reviewed: 24 April 2026 · Dr Alastair Greenway MRCVS