Anal gland disease is a common problem in dogs which has been recorded in 30 pet dogs. The anal glands,
also called anal sac can become impacted, infected and abscessed. The anal glands are located on either side of
and slightly below the rectal (anal) opening and tend to express themselves naturally from the pressure during
defecation. A tiny duct or tube leads from the gland under the skin to an opening directly beside the anus. Skunks
discharge the secretion from these glands as a form of defensive while dog use it primarily for terristorial
markings or as a form of communication. If for some reason the glands are being expressed insufficiently,
bacteria will build and the glands will become infected. Clinically, it is characterized by licking or chewing
around rectum, distressed behavior, smell a particular foul odor coming from the area, and the affected pets may
lick the area ‘scoot’ along the floor or have problems with defecation. If the infection is left untreated an abscess
will form and may rupture, causing serious problems for the pet.