A lump by the rump in your furry best friend always requires a vet visit !

Dr. Boazman explains that anal gland (aka anal sac) disease is a common & very smelly problem. If you have ever experienced an atrocious odor coming from the backside of your favorite pooch, you have probably had the pleasure of smelling anal gland discharge.

This disease can occur when a dog’s anal glands do not expel fluid properly. This fluid, used to mark territory, is normally expelled during defecation. If the fluid builds up in the glands, it can cause pain & infection, & sometimes even lead to an anal gland abscess & rupture.

So what do you need to watch out for? Aside from the very foul odor, dogs with impacted or infected anal glands may scoot their butts on the ground or chew & lick excessively near their tail or have difficulty defecating.

Though your best furry friend may protest, a rectal exam is usually performed by your vet to determine if the glands are impacted or infected. If they are, your vet will manually express fluid by squeezing the glands. Additionally, depending on the severity of the condition & if the glands are infected or impacted, your pet may require surgical intervention & medications.