Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
CT scan differences in dog anal sac and perianal gland tumors
By Jeong, Jeongyun et al.·Published in Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association·2025·Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging, South Korea·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Comparison of computed tomography findings between perianal tumors originating from the anal sacs and perianal glands in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with tumors near their rear end underwent CT scans to help identify the type of tumor they had. The study found that tumors from the anal sacs (apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinomas) typically grew on one side, while tumors from the perianal glands usually grew on both sides. Although CT scans showed some differences in growth patterns, other features were not enough to clearly distinguish between the two types of tumors. Ultimately, a biopsy is still needed for a definitive diagnosis, but the CT findings could assist veterinarians in making better-informed decisions about treatment options.
People also search for: dog anal sac tumor symptoms · perianal gland tumor treatment · CT scan for dog tumors
Abstract
Tumors originating from the anal sacs and perianal glands are common tumors of the perianal region. However, differentiation of perianal tumors based on CT findings remains challenging because perianal tumors can show overlapping CT characteristics. Therefore, this retrospective, multi-institutional study aimed to identify the CT findings that can differentiate between tumors originating from the anal sacs and perianal glands in canines. Twenty dogs were included, with nine apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinomas (AGASACAs), six perianal gland adenomas, three perianal gland carcinomas, and two perianal gland epitheliomas. The tumor CT features included the tumor growth pattern, tumor shape, cystic changes within the tumor, contrast enhancement pattern, displacement of the anus, and identification of the anal sacs. The prevalences of suspected metastatic lymphadenopathy of the iliosacral lymph centers and lung metastases were evaluated. The tumor volumes and values normalized to body weight were also assessed. The tumor growth patterns differed significantly between AGASACAs and perianal gland tumors. AGASACAs mostly showed unilateral growth, whereas perianal gland tumors mostly exhibited bilateral growth. CT features, except for the tumor growth pattern, failed to show significant differences between tumors arising from the anal sacs and those arising from the perianal glands. Although histopathological diagnosis remains the gold standard, this study's findings suggest that CT analysis of tumor growth patterns may help differentiate AGASACAs from perianal gland tumors.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39417417/