Anal sacs are small pouches located near the anus of dogs and cats that produce smelly secretions. Although most pets experience no issues with their anal sacs, some may develop infections or cancer in these glands. Anal sac infections can cause pain and discomfort and may require surgery, known as an anal sacculectomy. Anal sac cancers, such as apocrine gland adenocarcinoma, are more common in older pets and may present as a lump near the anus. The diagnosis is typically made by a rectal examination and confirmed by fine needle aspiration (FNA). Surgery may be necessary to remove the affected sac and, if needed, nearby lymph nodes. While all surgeries carry some risk, including infection or complications with major blood vessels, these risks are minimized when performed by specialized veterinary surgeons. After surgery, pets will need a quiet recovery period and proper wound care.
