Dog Gland Removal Pros and Cons Explained

This procedure involves surgically removing the glands that produce smelly secretions for scent marking and releasing them when your pup poops.

While this procedure can be beneficial for certain dogs, it’s important to understand its pros and cons before deciding whether to remove your pup’s anal glands.

According to the American Kennel Club, some advantages of anal gland removal include relief from discomfort and pain caused by infected or blocked glands. However, as with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of complications associated with anal gland removal.

These can include infection, bleeding, and damage to surrounding tissues. In some cases, dogs may also experience incontinence or difficulty defecating after the procedure.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits and risks of anal gland removal to help you make an informed decision about whether this procedure is right for your furry friend.

What is Dog Gland Removal?

If you’re a dog owner, you may have heard of dog gland removal, also known as anal sacculectomy. This surgical procedure involves the removal of the anal glands, small sacs located on either side of a dog’s anus.

These glands produce a strong-smelling fluid that is used for marking territory and identifying individuals.

However, these glands can sometimes become blocked or infected, which can cause discomfort and even lead to serious health problems.

The Anatomy of a Dog’s Anal Glands

The anal glands are located just inside a dog’s anus and are connected to the rectum by a small duct.

These glands produce a fluid that is used for scent marking and communication with other dogs.

The fluid is normally expressed during bowel movements, but in some dogs, the glands can become blocked or infected, causing discomfort and other issues.

There are two anal glands in dogs, one on each side of the anus. They are small, sac-like structures that are about the size of a pea.

The fluid they produce is a mixture of fatty acids, proteins, and other compounds that have a strong, musky odor.

Why is Gland Removal Necessary?

Gland removal may be necessary if your dog is experiencing chronic anal gland problems, such as recurrent infections or impactions.

In some cases, the glands may become so enlarged or infected that they need to be removed surgically.

While gland removal can provide relief for dogs with chronic anal gland problems, it is not without risks. The procedure is invasive and requires general anesthesia, which can be risky for some dogs.

Additionally, removing the anal glands can affect a dog’s ability to communicate with other dogs, as the scent-marking function of the glands is lost.

Dog Gland Removal Pros And Cons Table

Pros	Cons
Relieves discomfort and pain caused	Potential risks and complications associated
by anal gland issues	with surgery
Reduces the likelihood of infection	Loss of natural anal gland function
and abscess formation	Potential changes in bowel movements
Improves the dog’s overall hygiene	Increased susceptibility to constipation
and odor control	Long-term dependence on manual gland expression
Can prevent scooting behavior	Increased risk of fecal incontinence
	Cost of the surgery and post-operative care

Pros of Dog Gland Removal

If your dog is suffering from recurring anal gland problems, anal gland removal may be a viable solution.

Here are some of the pros of dog gland removal:

1.     Prevention of Anal Gland Problems

By removing the anal glands, you can prevent problems such as impaction, infection, and abscesses.

When the glands are removed, the fluid that they produce is no longer present, which means that there is no risk of blockage or infection.

2.     Improved Quality of Life for the Dog

Anal gland problems can be extremely uncomfortable and painful for dogs. They may experience difficulty sitting, licking or biting the affected area, and even scooting on their bottoms.

By removing the anal glands, you can improve your dog’s quality of life by eliminating these painful symptoms.

3.     Reduced Risk of Infection

When anal glands become impacted or infected, they can cause a lot of discomfort for your dog. In severe cases, they may even require surgery to remove the infected tissue.

By removing the anal glands, you can reduce the risk of infection and prevent future complications.

Cons of Dog Gland Removal

1.     Potential Complications of Surgery

If you decide to remove your dog’s anal glands, there is a risk of complications associated with the surgery. Some of the potential complications include infection, bleeding, and damage to surrounding tissues.

In some cases, dogs may also experience incontinence or difficulty defecating after the procedure.

While these complications are rare, it’s important to consider them before making a decision.

2.     Cost of Surgery

Another potential downside of dog gland removal is the cost. The surgery can be expensive, especially if your dog experiences complications and requires additional care.

Before deciding to have the surgery, it’s important to factor in the cost and whether it fits within your budget.

3.     Possible Long-Term Effects on the Dog’s Health

There is also some concern that removing a dog’s anal glands could have long-term effects on their health. The anal glands play an important role in a dog’s digestive system, and removing them could potentially lead to digestive problems down the line.

Additionally, some dogs may develop chronic issues with their anal glands after surgery, which could require ongoing care.

Overall, while the removal of dog glands can provide relief from discomfort and pain caused by infected or blocked glands, it’s important to consider the potential risks and drawbacks before making a decision.

Be sure to discuss the pros and cons with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action for your furry friend.

Dog Anal Gland Removal Cost

The cost of anal gland removal procedure can range from $1,000 to $7,000, depending on the treatment plan that is recommended by the veterinarian.

The cost usually includes the initial vet consultation, the surgical procedure, and post-surgery care.

However, pet owners who cannot afford the cost of the procedure out of pocket need not worry, as many vet clinics offer flexible financial plans to help them finance the cost of the surgery.

Additionally, some pet insurance plans can also help with the financial burden by covering a portion of the cost of the procedure.

It’s always recommended to discuss the financial options available with the veterinarian before proceeding with the surgery.