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Inflammation of the paraanal glands in dogs
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Dogs are anatomically designed so that on both sides of the anus there are two symmetrical sacs in which secretion is synthesized. They are called paraanal glands. During defecation, the glands are compressed and a substance with a specific smell is released, with which dogs mark their territory, scaring off competitors and attracting individuals of the opposite sex. Sometimes they become blocked and inflammation of the paraanal glands in dogs develops. This causes a lot of unpleasant sensations for the animal and requires treatment.
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Risk factors
Risk factors include genetic predisposition of certain breeds to inflammation (bulldogs, pugs, dachshunds, Pekingese). Overfed, sedentary dogs are also at risk. Irregular dog walking can lead to the disease.
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Pathogenesis
The pathogenesis of the disease lies in the disruption of the secretion outflow from the paraanal glands. In this case, they overflow, stagnation occurs, and an inflammatory focus arises. Secondary infection is connected, since a favorable environment for the reproduction of all kinds of microbes appears, an abscess is formed, which eventually breaks through, a fistula occurs.
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Symptoms inflammation of the paraanal glands in dogs
Symptoms of inflammation of the paraanal glands are manifested by unnatural behavior of the dog. The first sign is the dog's desire to rub its bottom against any surface. In this way, it responds to the itching of the inflamed area under the tail. Sometimes there is constant licking and movements characteristic of flea biting. Swollen glands can be felt with fingers, they are convex, and you can also visually see redness and irritation around the anus.
Stages
At the initial stage of the disease, the sacs gradually fill up, causing pain during bowel movements, but without inflammation. Then, at a later stage, under the influence of intestinal microflora, which easily penetrates into irritated areas, inflammation flares up. The paraanal tissue is involved in it, the melting tissue forms a fistula or phlegmon.
Complications and consequences
The consequences and complications of inflammation of the paraanal glands are dangerous because they can involve the mucous membrane of the rectum in the pathology, causing diseases such as proctitis and paraproctitis. Ignoring the problem or taking measures at an advanced stage can lead to the death of a pet.
Diagnostics inflammation of the paraanal glands in dogs
Diagnosis of inflammation of the paranal glands in dogs is based on the anamnesis told by its owners, visual examination, rectal examination, and in advanced cases - on additional tests.
To diagnose the disease, the following tests may be needed:
- general and biochemical blood analysis;
- blood chromatography;
- examination of skin scrapings under a microscope, which is the subject of instrumental diagnostics.
Differential diagnosis
The task of differential diagnostics is to make the correct diagnosis, without confusing it with a perineal hernia, allergies and the presence of helminths.
Treatment inflammation of the paraanal glands in dogs
Treatment of inflammation of the paranal glands in dogs begins with cleaning them, which you can do yourself, without going to the vet. To do this, you need to buy sterile gloves and petroleum jelly. Lubricate your index finger with petroleum jelly, insert it into the anus, feel the spherical seal and, pressing lightly, bring out its contents. Do the same with the second ball. It is best to carry out the procedure in the bathroom due to the unpleasant smell of the secreted secretion and the need to wash the dog with soap after it. To avoid complications after cleaning, put in anti-inflammatory suppositories, wash the sinuses with antiseptics. Treatment with antibacterial, antifungal, analgesic drugs is possible.
Drug treatment
Medicines for treating the disease depend on the severity of the condition. Suppositories for inflammation of the paraanal glands in dogs are indicated in any case. Most often, methyluracil is used, ichthyol and proctosedyl are also used.
Methyluracil - suppositories that accelerate the healing process of wounds, stimulating protective factors. When administered, a burning sensation may be felt. In humans, it can cause allergies, dizziness, headache. Contraindicated in leukemia, malignant diseases of lymphoma, bone marrow.
Pain relief is achieved with novocaine blockades. Antibiotics are unavoidable in the case of abscesses and fistula formation. The most effective antibiotics for inflammation of the paraanal glands in dogs are broad-spectrum antibiotics that kill both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. This may be cefotaxime.
Cefotaxime - injections are administered to the animal intramuscularly (0.5 g of the drug is diluted in 2 ml of sterile water). Can cause vomiting, diarrhea. Contraindicated in liver and kidney diseases.
This pathology is characterized by itching in the anus, which explains the animal's behavior, its anxiety, wriggling on surfaces with its bottom, and frantic biting under the tail. The drug Dexafort is intended to relieve itching.
Dexafort is a glucocorticosteroid hormone, administered once (0.5-1 ml) intramuscularly or subcutaneously, the injection can be repeated after a week. Long-term use causes muscle weakness, weight loss. Use with caution in pregnant dogs.
For inflammation of the paranal glands in dogs, another hormone is prescribed - prednisolone.
Prednisolone - dogs are usually given an injection into the withers at a dose of 0.5 ml once a day. Long-term use is fraught with obesity, the appearance of ulcers in the digestive tract.
Antifungal treatment is carried out using fluconazole.
Fluconazole - exists in capsules, syrups, solutions. The dose is 10-20 mg / kg twice a day. A side effect in the form of stomach upset is possible.
Vitamins and minerals are necessary for the dog for normal functioning of the digestive tract, and therefore for timely and complete bowel movements, which is the key to its health. A balanced diet, including all the necessary products, special vitamin complexes for animals will help her with this.
Physiotherapeutic treatment of inflammation of the paranal glands involves massaging them and applying warm compresses.
Many people try to use folk methods of treatment in treating their pets to avoid the aggressive chemical effects of medications. Based on the symptoms, you can use medicinal herbs that relieve inflammation (anise fruits, caraway, parsley), antifungal (calendula, tansy, wormwood, St. John's wort), wound healing (plantain, basil), anthelmintic (tansy, garlic). Herbal treatment includes both drinking prepared potions internally and using them externally to treat the inflamed area. If there are problems with giving the animal water, you can mix the necessary herbs into the dog's food.
Homeopathy uses poisonous substances in its recipes. Its task is to reduce the toxicity and harm of the substance to zero, increasing its biological activity. Dilutions are used for this. The first means the ratio of the active substance to the solution is 1:10. Higher dilutions are used to treat people and animals. Here are some of these remedies.
Traumeel S is available in tablets, ointments and injection solutions. Ointment is used for inflammation of the paraanal glands. It is applied to the area around the anus several times a day. In humans, side effects were recorded extremely rarely in the form of allergies.
Fitoelita is an ointment that contains many medicinal herbs with anti-inflammatory and regenerating effects. The preparation is applied in a thin layer to the damaged areas 2 times a day. The duration of treatment is 5-7 days.
Chronic constipation, which is a risk factor for inflammation of the paranal glands, is treated with such remedies as Nux Vomica-Homaccord, Chelidonium-Homaccord. If the effect is insufficient, Cardus Compositum or Mucosa Compositum are prescribed.
Nux vomica-homaccord - for animals, therapy is carried out in the form of injections. The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor. Allergy to the components included in the composition is possible.
Cardus compositum - activates the immune system, adsorbs toxins and removes them naturally. For an injection for a medium-sized dog, 2 ml of the substance is required. Treatment is carried out until the symptoms disappear. Side effects have not been identified.
Surgical treatment
In case of severe tissue damage during an abscess or chronic blockage of the glands, surgical treatment is used - saculectomy. It involves removing the sacs with secretion, since they do not carry vital functions. This method is much more humane than endless intake of antibiotics, depletion of the body's protective functions.
Prevention
Preventive measures to prevent inflammation of the paranal glands in dogs include good care of the animal, including proper balanced nutrition, frequent walks, timely cleaning of the glands, if this does not happen spontaneously. Do not forget about the hygiene of the pet.
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