Question 8: My groomer recently said that my dog's anal sacs were very full.  What are anal sacs anyway and should I be concerned?

Answer: Anal sacs are a pair of sacs located between the internal and external anal sphincter muscles on either side of the anus in carnivores.  The walls of the sacs are lined with numerous glands.  The nature of these glands varies somewhat between dogs and cats.  The secretions from the glands are malodorous, usually grey to brown, liquid to granular to pasty in consistency, and are normally expelled in small quantities with each defecation.  The secretions likely serve as a form of territorial marking or individual identification.  Problems which can arise with anal sacs include impaction, ductal blockage, infection, abscess formation, and rupture.  Unfortunately, there are malignant tumors which can affect the anal sacs as well.  Signs of anal sac problems include "scooting" on the floor or ground, rubbing or licking of the anal area, rear end sensitivity, and changes in the gait or lameness (primarily seen in cats).  Visual and manual inspection of the anal sacs will usually reveal the problem.  If necessary the anal sacs' contents can be emptied by either external or internal manual expression.  Most groomers will only perform external expression.  If a pet has severe or repeated episodes of anal sac problems surgical removal of the sacs is curative. A thorough history and physical examination is the best place to start if you have concerns that your pet may be experiencing problems with his/her anal sacs.