Diagnosing Anal Sac Disease in Cats
Dog Breeds
There is no test that can conclusively diagnose anal sac disease in
cats. Instead, this condition is diagnosed based on the cat’s history,
symptoms, physical examination, and microscopic examination of the anal
sac contents.
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Introduction
There is no single test that can conclusively diagnose anal sac disease in cats. Instead, this condition is diagnosed based upon the cat’s history, clinical signs, results of veterinary physical examination and microscopic examination of the anal sac contents. Anal sac problems are uncommon in cats.
Diagnosing Anal Sac Disease in Cats
Most cases of anal sac disease in cats are caused by impaction of these paired pockets near the cat’s anus. When the anal sacs become blocked, cats cannot express their normal secretions during bowel movements. Cat’s with anal sac impaction normally will constantly lick or bite around their anal area and scoot their hind end along the ground.
Definitive diagnosis is made by digital palpation of the anal sacs/glands. The veterinarian will palpate the area by placing a finger in the cat’s rectum, and if impaction is present the veterinarian will feel small hard masses in the anal sacs. At this point, the veterinarian must apply a good amount of pressure to the glands to express the material. In cases of impaction, the material that comes out of the glands often looks like a thick, pasty brown solid ribbon of material. Anesthesia or sedation is normally necessary due to the pain associated with the examination. If it appears that the anal glands may be infected, most veterinarians will perform a microscopic examination of the material expressed from the glands.
Treatment Options
Symptoms and Types