Anal glands are small sacs on either side of the anus in dogs. They produce a fluid with a strong odor that helps dogs communicate with their fellows.
The majority of canine pets face anal gland problems. The infection can range from mild to severe. Sometimes, it may require surgery to remove the glands.
Before deciding on the procedure for your dog, you must be aware of the pros and cons of anal gland removal dogs.
In this veterinary blog, we will discuss some important facts about dog anus gland removal.
What is anal gland removal?
Anal gland removal, or anal sacculectomy, is a surgical procedure to remove the anal glands from a dog.
Typically, under anesthesia, the surgery takes about 30 minutes. The vet surgeon makes incisions near the anus to remove the glands.
The chances of success are mostly higher; however, a few complications may arise.
Let’s overview dog gland removal pros and cons.
Dog anal gland removal pros
Dogs with anal gland problems often feel difficulty while sitting, walking, and playing.
Surgery can help relieve these symptoms and improve the dog’s overall quality of life.
There are several pros to anal gland removal dogs, such as :
- Providing permanent relief from anal gland problems
- Reducing the risk of severe infection
- Improving the dog’s quality of life
Dog anus gland removal cons
There are a few potential cons to anal gland removal in dogs.
First, the surgery is not always necessary. In some cases, it’s possible and imperative to manage the problem with medication or other treatments.
Moreover, the surgery can be an expensive choice for some pet owners.
Besides that, there is a small risk of complications, such as infection or bleeding.
When is anal gland removal necessary?
The surgery is typically recommended for dogs with recurrent anal gland problems. These problems can result from a number of factors, including constipation, diet, and genetics.
Dogs with difficulty in expressing their anal glands can also be good candidates for surgery.
Recovery process for anal gland removal dogs
The recovery process for anal gland removal is usually very short.
In most cases, pet owners can take their dogs home even on the surgery day.
The incisions will be sore for a few days, and your dog may need to wear a cone to prevent licking.
However, you’ll get specific instructions from your vet regarding your dog’s health recovery.
Is anal gland removal a common procedure?
In dogs, anal gland removal is a relatively common procedure. According to the research, about 10% of dogs have the procedure at some point in their lives.
Mostly, the procedure is performed in dogs of 2 to 5 years old.
Alternatives to dog anal gland removal
There are a few alternatives to the procedure. One is to express the dog’s anal glands manually. A veterinarian or a trained pet owner can do this.
Another alternative is to use medication to keep the anal glands from becoming impacted.
Which option is right for your dog?
To take a decision on an option depends on the severity of your dog’s anal gland problems.
If the conditions are mild, manual expression or medication may be enough to control the infection.
However, if dogs have recurrent or severe problems, anal gland removal dogs may be the best option.
TO WRAP UP!
If you are considering sacculectomy for your dog, you must consult your vet about the dog gland removal pros and cons. They will help you understand the whole procedure and associated risks, enabling you to decide on the best option for your furry fellow.
After anal gland removal dogs, it’s essential to follow the complete post-operative instructions provided by your veterinarian. Doing so would help you ensure faster recovery for your dog, preventing any kind of complications.
Apart from that, being a responsible pet owner, you should read veterinary blogs about the procedure to ensure better care for your canine companion.
Many online learning platforms, such as vet and tech, and veterinary news blogs, can provide you with all information about your pet’s procedures, diseases, and their management.