Local treatment results for anal sac infection in 33 dogs

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Little information has been published regarding treatment of canine anal sacculitis (AS). OBJECTIVES: Primary objective: determine the outcomes of AS local treatment at the referral dermatology service of the authors' institution. SECONDARY OBJECTIVE: determine signalment, body condition score (BCS), stool quality and comorbidities associated with AS. ANIMALS: Thirty-three dogs with AS presented to the referral dermatology service between 1 January 2010 and 31 March 2021. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic medical record search was conducted. Information regarding sex, breed, age at disease onset, weight, BCS, stool quality, comorbidities, treatment and treatment outcome were collected. Treatment outcome was categorised as "resolved clinically", "clinical signs resolved per owner", "did not complete treatment" or "failed". Dogs were excluded if seen by another service, not treated for AS, or if perianal sinuses (fistulae), anal sac masses, or anal sac abscesses were identified. RESULTS: Nineteen dogs were male and 14 female. Twenty-four breeds were included. Average age at disease onset was 4.4 years. Average BCS was 5.8 of 9. Stool quality was "poor" in seven of 33 and normal in 23 of 33 cases. Atopic dermatitis was the most common comorbidity (12 of 33). Treatment typically consisted of anal sac flushing with saline followed by infusion using a commercially available steroid/antibiotic/antifungal ointment. Treatment was repeated on average 2.9 times. Resolution of AS was obtained in 24 of 33 cases, clinical signs resolved per owner in four of 33, five of 33 cases did not complete treatment, and no cases failed treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Local treatment with flushing and infusion is effective for treating AS in dogs.