Closed anal sac surgery for non-cancer anal sac disease in 50 dogs

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe a modified closed sacculectomy technique for non-neoplastic anal sac disease in dogs, and to describe the management and short-term outcomes in dogs undergoing sacculectomy by the described technique. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SAMPLE POPULATION: A total of 50 dogs. METHODS: Electronic medical records were reviewed to identify dogs undergoing bilateral anal sacculectomy for non-neoplastic anal sac disease using the described closed technique between January 1, 2013 and February 1, 2024. RESULTS: A total of 50 dogs underwent bilateral anal sacculectomy for non-neoplastic anal sac disease. Intraoperative anal sac perforation was reported in five dogs (10%). A total of 43 dogs were available for two-week follow-up. Grade 1 complications were reported in 14/43 dogs (32%), grade 2 complications in 2/43 dogs (5%), and grade 3B in 2/43 dogs (5%). At two-weeks postoperatively, 13/14 dogs (93%) had resolution of grade 1 complications. Both dogs with grade 2 complications had resolution reported at two weeks postoperatively, and both dogs with grade 3B complications had resolution reported at two weeks following revision surgery. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative complications consisted of anal sac perforation without further complication. Minor postoperative complications were mostly self-limiting, supporting previous literature. Major complications were infrequent and resolved following single revision surgery. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The technique reported provides an alternative to excise intact and non-neoplastic anal sacs in dogs. The key features of this technique are immediate anal sac identification by following the anatomic path of the duct, minimal peri-saccular dissection, no requirement for packing of the anal sac, and complete removal of the duct and anal sac.