In this episode, host Alyssa Watson, DVM, talks with Sandra Diaz, DVM, MS, DACVD, about her recent Clinician’s Brief article, “Anal Sac Abscess in a Dog with Suspected Adverse Food Reaction.” Dr. Diaz covers the frustrating and multifactorial problem of anal sac disease with a focus on possible underlying causes and perpetuating factors. She discusses treatments, including topical therapy and hypoallergenic diet trials, along with routine anal sac expression and the hopefully avoidable surgery.
Key Takeaways
Anal sac disease is a multifactorial problem that can be associated with soft stools, obesity, decreased muscle tone, and underlying allergies.
Use breed, history, and palpation to help differentiate from perianal fistula or anal sac tumors.
The character of the secretion, and even cytology, can be highly variable, but the presence of blood is truly abnormal.
Topical antimicrobial/steroid therapy has been shown to be effective at managing symptoms.
If anal sac expression is happening more than once a month, then it’s time to investigate further (GI disease, hypothyroidism, allergies, etc.).
Contact us:
Podcast@briefmedia.com
Where to find us:
Twitter: @cliniciansbrief
Instagram: @clinicians.brief
The Team:
Alyssa Watson, DVM - Host
Alexis Ussery - Producer & Multimedia Specialist