Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Anal sac removal surgery in dogs and possible complications
By MacPhail, Catriona·Published in Compendium (Yardley, PA)·2008·Colorado State University, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Anal sacculectomy.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Anal sacculectomy is a common surgery for dogs, usually done to treat ongoing problems with their anal sacs, such as chronic anal sacculitis (inflammation of the anal sacs). While the surgery is generally safe, there are some risks involved, including the chance of losing control over bowel movements if the surrounding muscles are damaged, as well as the possibility of infections or abnormal openings forming after the surgery. Thankfully, serious complications are not very common. Overall, most dogs do well after this procedure.
Abstract
Removal of the anal sacs is a frequently performed surgery in dogs. It is most often indicated for definitive treatment of chronic anal sacculitis. The anal sacs are intimately associated with the external anal sphincter; therefore, fecal incontinence resulting from damage to this muscle or its innervation is a potential complication of anal sacculectomy. Fistula formation and incisional infection are other possible complications. In general, the overall incidence of complications after anal sacculectomy is low.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19003775/