Anal gland problems are a common source of discomfort in dogs, ranging from impaction to abscessation requiring prompt treatment for welfare relief.
Anal gland impaction and infection causes significant discomfort - affected dogs scoot, bite at their rear, and show obvious signs of irritation. Untreated impaction progresses to infection and abscessation causing intense acute pain. The welfare response is prompt recognition and treatment: manual expression for impaction, appropriate antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatment for infection. Chronic anal gland problems significantly impair quality of life through repeated discomfort cycles. Dogs with chronic problems may benefit from sacculectomy, which eliminates the source of recurrent welfare compromise.