You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

The anal sacs (also called scent glands) are two secretory glands which lie on either side of the anus in many mammals - including dogs, cats and ferrets. 

The anal sacs are located below and to the sides of the anus. They secrete a potent smelling discharge which is rather unpleasant to humans but to other dogs, the scent is extremely important in the recognition of individuals and in the marking of territory . The secretion is normally expressed from the glands during the act of defaecation, and the fluid can spray a few feet away from the animal. 

Sometimes the anal sacs do not empty properly and the sac becomes impacted and very full with fluid which causes discomfort. Affected animals may show a variety of signs including :

• Rubbing the anus along the floor (called "scooting)
• Biting at the anus
• Biting at the flanks
• Biting at the tailbase
• Biting at the hind feet
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Reluctance to pass a motion
• Yelping during defaecation

If small amounts of anal sac fluid leak out onto the animals' coat it will give off an obvious, obnoxious aroma. Impacted scent glands need to be emptied manually - and this can usually be done without the need for an anaesthetic or sedation by your veterinarian. If the glands cannot be emptied manually, or if the problem recurs frequently, surgery may be needed to remove them.

Occasionally the anal sacs can develop a form of cancer which can cause similar signs, so it is important that your vet examines your pet if it shows any of the signs usually associated with anal sac impaction.

Last updated : September 2013