The dog's adanal gland is a very important part of the canine anatomy, although little known by owners. Very small and with a rather hidden location, the presence of the adanal gland in the dog is usually only noticed when it is inflamed or experiencing some other problem, such as rectal fistula in dogs. The gland plays a fundamental role during evacuation, in addition to the followingThe Paws of the House has prepared a guide that explains everything about the adanal gland, from its functions to the complications that can arise there. Check it out!

What is the adanal gland in the dog?

Many people have no idea what the dog's adanal gland is and only discover its existence when it is inflamed. It is possible to notice in photos of adanal gland in dog that its shape is of a very small rounded bag. The dog has two glands that are located each on one side of the inner part of the anus. They store a lubricating liquid of toneThe dog's adanal gland has a small hole through which this liquid is secreted.

Functions of the adanal gland in the dog are related to lubrication and territory marking

The adanal gland in the dog has two main functions: lubrication and territory marking. When the dog is evacuating, the feces compresses the two glands, which causes it to release the liquid that is stored inside. This liquid lubricates the feces, ensuring that they pass through the animal's anus very easily. This is also why we smell the bad smell of the feces ofdog, because, as we explained, the liquid that lubricates them has this unpleasant odor.

In addition, the dog's adanal gland helps in marking territory, since its characteristic smell helps to demarcate the dog's presence in a given environment. This odor allows dogs to identify each other. This also explains why dogs smell each other's tails, especially when they meet. The dog's adanal gland present there has the odor and the characteristics of a dog's tail.information on each animal, helping pets to identify themselves.

Inflammation in the adanal gland: dog can develop diseases in the region

Unfortunately, some situations can cause problems in the functioning of the anal gland. Dogs experience enormous discomfort when they suffer from these conditions. These problems occur when there is an obstruction that makes it difficult for the glands to empty, causing inflammation. There are basically three types of inflammation that can affect the adanal gland in the dog. The first is theimpaction, when there is an accumulation of fluid inside the glands. The pet starts to feel pain and swelling in the area. Usually, this accumulation happens because there is a drying of the fluid. This problem is more common in elderly dogs.

The second is sacculitis, a type of infection that arises with inflammation of the anal sacs, and there may or may not be obstruction of the duct. Usually, there is an increased secretion of the fluid present in the glands. Several factors can lead to infection of the anal glands. Finally, we have the abscess, which happens when there is a large accumulation of pus in the dog's adanal gland, which can be a problem for the dog.consequence of cases of impaction or sacculitis.

Rectal fistula is one of the most common conditions that the adanal gland in the dog can develop

Rectal fistula (or perianal fistula) is one of the most well-known problems related to the adanal gland in the dog. As we have explained, the inflamed gland can cause abscesses. When the abscess ruptures, the fistula forms. This fistula starts small, but can grow in size until it causes ulcers. In addition, as it progresses, the fistula can begin to affect the tissues moreinternal, further aggravating the condition.

Diarrhea can also cause dog adanal gland problems

Inflammation of the dog's adanal gland can have different causes, such as allergies, but one of the most common causes is diarrhoea. Diarrhoea in dogs is not uncommon, as it is a common symptom of many diseases. However, it is very important to pay attention. The dog with diarrhoea does not need to force himself to eliminate the faeces. They simply come out easily. Thus, the dog'she dog's adanal gland does not need to be stimulated very much, which ends up causing a build-up of fluid inside it. Consequently, the fluid becomes clogged and dries out, causing problems in the area. Constipation, which is the opposite of diarrhoea, can also be a problem for the anal gland. Dogs that cannot defecate also have a sensitive area and the fluid is not eliminated,causing the same health problems.

Inflamed adanal gland in dogs: most common symptoms are bad smell and discomfort

If you see your dog dragging his buttocks on the floor and smelling bad in the anus area, it is important to be alert. The adanal glands can suffer from a variety of problems, whether it is impaction, inflammation due to allergies or diarrhea, abscess formation or a rectal fistula. Although very different conditions lead to inflamed adanal glands in dogs, symptoms are often very similar. They are usually as followsare related to the discomfort that the pet feels when the region is inflamed. It is very common to see dogs with inflamed and foul-smelling adanal glands as a result of swelling and the strong odorous substance present inside the glands. In general, the most common symptoms that the guardian should be alert to are:

• Inflamed adanal gland
• Bad smell in the anal area
• Dog dragging buttocks on the ground
• Loss of weight and appetite
• Diarrhea with blood
• Itching and pain in the anal area

Anal gland tumor: dogs can also develop cancer there

There is also the possibility that the puppy suffers from a tumor in the adanal gland. Dogs with this disease usually have all the previous symptoms, but also have other clinical manifestations such as excessive weakness and lethargy. Cancer in dogs can also spread to other parts of the body in a process called metastasis. Therefore, it is very important to take the pet to the veterinarian forget tested as soon as you notice any different symptoms in the animal. The earlier treatment is started, the better the chances of a cure.

Can I empty the adanal gland?

The liquid that comes out of the adanal gland in the dog has a very unpleasant smell. Therefore, many guardians wonder if it is okay to empty the glands from time to time to eliminate this smell. Some pet shops even do this procedure to completely eliminate the bad odor and ensure that the guardian does not complain about the dog's smell after bathing. However, drainage is nothing like thatindicated in healthy dogs, especially if done by someone who is not a veterinarian.

When squeezing the dog's adanal gland in order to empty it, the liquid inside comes out with a very strong pressure that can hurt the animal. In addition, it can end up causing a serious inflammation that leads to obstruction of the glands and, consequently, to all the problems that this causes in the animal. Therefore, never empty the dog's adanal gland and be wary of pet shopswho perform this post-bath and grooming procedure.

How to empty the dog's adanal gland: understand the procedure

In everyday life, you should never empty the adanal gland. Dogs, however, may need to be emptied in cases of obstruction. But how to empty the dog's adanal gland? To do this, you must first take the pet to the veterinarian. Only the specialist should perform the procedure. It may seem easy and, therefore, many guardians try to do it on their own. However, the process of how to drain the adanal gland is not easy.The dog's adanal gland is uncomfortable for the animal and, if done the wrong way, can end up favoring the worsening of the infection.

The veterinarian has the right technique to avoid this problem. With great caution, the specialist will carry out the process of how to empty the dog's adanal gland in a gentle way. He will gently squeeze the region so that the liquid is eliminated little by little, avoiding a very strong pressure at the time of expulsion. In cases of severe obstruction, the veterinarian may indicate a remedy forrelieve the dog's pain during the procedure.

Ectopic dog adanal glands need to be emptied frequently

There is a condition called ectopic adanal glands, which are located much lower and deeper in the rectum, where they should not be. As a consequence, the glands are not pressed during the passage of stool. This leads to frequent obstructions, since the liquid is not expelled. In this case, it is essential to perform frequent stool tests.The puppy will become more comfortable and suffer less from the consequences of this problem.

However, as we have already explained, the process of how to drain the dog's adanal gland should always be carried out by the veterinarian and this includes cases of ectopic glands. Only the specialist should indicate the ideal time to perform the emptying and only he should do the drainage.

How to treat adanal gland problems: dog may need medication and even surgery

Cases of inflamed dog adanal gland can be treated. To do this, the veterinarian must first be sure of what is happening to the glands and what led to the problem. To obtain the diagnosis, the doctor will perform palpation of the site and physical examinations. In addition, he can order radiography of the abdomen, computed tomography and ultrasound, fundamental tests to excludeAfter diagnosis, treatment begins. In cases of anal gland obstruction, the dog will undergo a cleaning. The vet will empty the gland in order to allow its flow to return to normal.

In addition, the veterinarian usually prescribes medication to help treat inflammation and infection. Usually, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are used, but it may vary depending on each case. In cases of adanal gland in the dog that tends to inflame regularly, it may be necessary to perform surgery to remove one or both glands. It is worth mentioning thatfor inflamed adanal glands in dogs, there is no home treatment! Always take your pet to the vet for the most appropriate care.