Anal Gland Removal Surgery in Dogs (and Cats): What Pet Owners Should Know

Top 3 Takeaways

Anal gland removal surgery may be recommended when chronic infections, impactions, or discomfort continue despite ongoing treatment.
The procedure can greatly improve comfort and daily quality of life for many dogs, especially those experiencing repeated flare-ups.
Most pets recover well with good surgical technique, proper pain management, and attentive home care during the healing period.

Understanding Anal Glands and Their Role

Anal glands, sometimes called anal sacs, sit just inside the anus and produce a strong-smelling fluid that provides scent-related information to other animals. This is a natural part of communication for dogs and cats. In healthy pets, these glands empty on their own during bowel movements, and most owners never notice them. However, in certain pets, the glands can become blocked or inflamed, leading to discomfort and sometimes recurring medical issues.

Chronic irritation or inflammation of the anal glands can progress over time. Some pets may experience only mild occasional symptoms, while others may become increasingly uncomfortable, leading to frequent scooting, licking, or even painful abscesses. Understanding the underlying cause of these issues is key to deciding whether conservative management or surgical intervention is most appropriate.

Diagram of a dog’s rear showing labeled perineal anatomy including muscles, anal sac, external anal sphincter, excretory duct, scrotum, and other anatomical structures. The view is from behind with the tail lifted.

Image 1: Anatomical illustration of a dog’s perineal area, highlighting key structures such as the anal sacs, external anal sphincter, and surrounding muscles involved in anal gland function.

Why Some Pets Are More Prone to Anal Gland Problems

Dogs with softer or inconsistent stool may not naturally express the glands during bowel movements.
Pets with food or environmental allergies often show inflammation around the anal area.
Smaller dog breeds have a higher tendency toward anal gland dysfunction.
Obesity can contribute to pressure and positional changes that prevent natural gland emptying.
Some pets have structural narrowing of the duct opening that makes expression difficult.

When is Anal Gland Removal Surgery Recommended?

Anal gland removal is typically considered after non-surgical treatments have been tried. Most pets begin with manual expression, medications, diet changes, or allergy management. These approaches can be effective, but in some pets, relief is temporary and the issue returns again and again.

Living with recurrent gland inflammation can become distressing for both the pet and owner. When symptoms begin to limit comfort, or abscesses occur multiple times, surgery becomes a reasonable and often beneficial long-term solution.

Common Situations Where Surgery May Be Recommended

Frequent infections that keep returning after treatment.
Recurring impaction or swelling that requires regular veterinary visits.
Anal gland abscesses that rupture or threaten to rupture.
Signs of chronic pain, discomfort, or changes in behavior.
Presence of a mass or tumor in or near the gland.

When these problems become repetitive, the benefits of a permanent solution often outweigh the ongoing cycle of irritation, medication, and repeated handling.

How Anal Gland Removal Surgery Works

Anal gland removal surgery, called anal sacculectomy, is a soft tissue procedure performed under general anesthesia. Your pet is safely sedated, and the veterinarian makes a precise incision near the affected gland to remove the sac and its duct. The goal is to eliminate the source of chronic disease while protecting the surrounding muscle and nerve structure.

This procedure requires careful technique because the anal glands sit close to the sphincter muscles that control bowel movements. A skilled surgeon uses fine, controlled motion and close anatomical knowledge to reduce tension and preserve normal function.

Surgical Variations

Unilateral sacculectomy removes one affected gland.
Bilateral sacculectomy removes both glands when disease is present in both.

Your veterinarian will recommend the approach based on your pet’s clinical history and how often symptoms occur.

Benefits and Risks of Surgery

Deciding on surgery can feel like a big step, but for many pets, it can be life-changing. Understanding both benefits and risks can help you feel confident in your decision.

Benefits

Stops the cycle of repeated infections, abscesses, and inflammation.
Reduces long-term pain, irritation, and licking or scooting behaviors.
Eliminates the need for frequent manual gland expressions.
Improves overall comfort and makes daily life easier for the pet.

Risks

Short-term swelling or tenderness near the incision.
Temporary stool softness during the healing period.
Minor wound irritation or drainage in some pets.
A small risk of stool control issues, especially if inflammation is severe at the time of surgery. Permanent incontinence is rare, especially with experienced surgical technique and good aftercare.

Your veterinarian will discuss your pet’s individual risk factors and what to expect during recovery.

Close-up view of a canine anal sac removal surgery with the gland exteriorized and held by surgical instruments, showing the duct attached and the incision site on a blue sterile drape.

Figure 2: Anal gland removal surgery showing the gland and duct being carefully dissected and excised.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery from anal gland removal is generally smooth, although it requires attentive care during the first several weeks. A calm, controlled environment promotes healing and helps your pet avoid straining or licking at the surgical site.

What to Expect During Recovery

The area may appear swollen or slightly red for the first several days.
Your veterinarian will prescribe pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications.
An e-collar prevents licking or chewing that can interfere with healing.
Stool softeners may be used temporarily to avoid strain.

Most dogs begin to feel noticeably more comfortable within a few days, although full healing can take two to six weeks depending on the complexity of the procedure.

Activity Recommendations

Keep walks short and controlled for the first 1–2 weeks.
Avoid running, jumping, or vigorous play.
Provide a quiet resting area away from household stressors.

Your veterinary team will schedule follow-up exams to check progress and ensure the incision is healing properly.

Cost Considerations

The cost of anal gland removal can vary based on several components of care. These may include whether one or both glands are removed, whether active infection is present, the need for diagnostics, and the level of monitoring during anesthesia and recovery.

At Bliss Animal Hospital, we review your pet’s medical history and examine the extent of inflammation to determine the most effective treatment plan. We provide clear estimates and thorough explanations so you understand your options before moving forward.

Anal Gland Removal in Cats

Anal gland disease is significantly less common in cats than in dogs, but when it occurs, symptoms may include licking, swelling, or changes in stool habits. For cats with persistent or severe disease, surgery may be recommended in the same way it is for dogs. The goals, recovery expectations, and long-term outcomes are similar.

Managing Anal Gland Health Without Surgery

Many pets do well with supportive care rather than surgery, especially if symptoms are mild or infrequent. Conservative management focuses on improving stool consistency and reducing inflammation.

Helpful Supportive Strategies

Fiber supplementation can promote firmer stools that help the glands express naturally.
Prescription or specialty diets may improve stool consistency and reduce inflammation.
Probiotics may support digestive wellness and stool formation.
Allergy treatment can reduce redness and irritation in pets with chronic skin issues.
Maintaining a healthy body weight reduces gland pressure and improves comfort.

Your veterinarian will help identify which combination of diet, medication, and lifestyle support is most effective for your pet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a dog live normally without anal glands?

Yes. Dogs do not rely on their anal glands for digestion, bowel function, or general physical health. Once the glands are removed and healing is complete, most pets experience improved comfort and no longer display symptoms like scooting or irritation. Many owners report that their dog seems more relaxed and happier overall, especially if chronic pain or infection was previously present.

How long does healing and recovery take?

Most pets recover comfortably within three to six weeks. The initial soreness typically improves within several days, especially with appropriate pain management and activity restriction. Full healing of the tissue around the surgical site takes additional time, which is why rest and follow-up appointments are important. Your veterinarian will guide you through each stage of recovery and monitor healing closely.

Will my dog become incontinent after surgery?

The risk of stool control issues is real but uncommon. Temporary soft stools or minor leakage can occasionally occur during the early healing phase, particularly if inflammation was severe before surgery. Permanent incontinence is rare when the procedure is performed by an experienced veterinarian who uses gentle tissue handling and precise technique. Most dogs return to completely normal bowel function once swelling resolves.

How do I know if surgery is the right option for my dog?

Surgery is usually recommended when chronic anal gland issues continue to return despite treatment. Signs that surgery may be the best long-term solution include repeated infections, frequent veterinary visits for expression, abscesses that rupture or reoccur, or persistent discomfort that affects daily activity. Your veterinarian will evaluate your pet’s medical history, symptom pattern, and tissue condition to determine whether surgery is likely to improve quality of life.

Can both anal glands be removed at the same time?

Yes. If disease is present in both glands or if symptoms occur on both sides, it is standard to remove both during the same procedure. Removing both at once allows for a single recovery period and prevents future flare-ups on the untreated side. Your veterinarian will discuss whether unilateral or bilateral removal is most appropriate based on your pet’s condition.

Are there alternatives to surgery for dogs with mild symptoms?

Yes. Some pets respond well to supportive care such as increased dietary fiber, prescription gastrointestinal diets, allergy management, or scheduled gland expressions performed at the veterinary clinic. These approaches may reduce how often symptoms occur, especially if they are linked to environmental or dietary triggers. Your veterinarian will help determine whether a conservative approach or a surgical approach offers the best long-term comfort for your pet.

Compassionate Surgical Care in South Orange County

At Bliss Animal Hospital, we provide attentive, individualized care for pets with anal gland disease. Our veterinary team supports families throughout Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Irvine, and Rancho Santa Margarita, offering thoughtful evaluation, customized treatment recommendations, and continuous guidance throughout surgery and recovery.

To schedule a consultation, call us at 949-354-5201.

About Bliss Animal Hospital

Our team, led by Dr. Nayara Pataro and Dr. Sam Amirshahi, is dedicated to providing compassionate, top-rated care right here in South Orange County. With a strong emphasis on relationships and personalized veterinary care, we’re here to support you and your pet’s health and happiness. If you’re looking for convenient, high-quality care nearby, check out our veterinarian services in Lake Forest, CA and surrounding areas like Veterinarian near Mission Viejo, CA, Irvine, CA Veterinarian (Great Park and Portola Springs) and vet near Rancho Santa Margarita, CA.

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