Definition of Anal Sac Disease
Anal sac disease is a condition in cats that occurs when the two anal glands, located one on each side of the rectum, become infected, abscessed or impacted with fluids that are normally expressed during defecation. While this condition occurs in dogs and cats, cats most often experience anal disease due to impaction, while dogs can experience infection, abscess or impaction.
How Anal Sac Disease Affects Cats
The clinical signs of feline anal sac disease include scooting, licking and biting at the rear end as the cat attempts to relieve the discomfort, pain and itchiness associated with this condition. Cats may rub and lick their rectal area for reasons other than impacted anal glands, such as allergies (inhalants or food), intestinal parasites (tapeworms) or tumors. Most cats empty their anal glands naturally whenever they have a bowel movement or during exercise. With impaction, this normal emptying cannot occur.
Causes of Anal Sac Disease in Cats
Cats may have anal gland problems because they are being fed a diet that is too low in fiber. A fiber-rich diet results in voluminous stools, which tends to naturally express the anal glands during bowel movements. Obesity and/or a lack of exercise can result in impacted anal glands because the glands do not get expressed naturally as well. Chronic diarrhea and poor muscle tone are thought to contribute to this condition.
Preventing Anal Sac Disease
There is no definitive way to prevent anal sac impaction in cats. A good, healthy diet and lifestyle are probably the best ways to prevent this disorder in cats.
Special Notes
The prognosis for cats with anal sac disease is good to excellent. Obese cats should be placed on a weight loss diet to reduce risks of further incidence, and as long as the anal sacs are kept clean and well maintained the risks of scarring and anal sac rupture are very low.