Anal Gland Removal in Dogs and Cats

What It Is, Why It’s Needed, What to Expect, and How We Support You

Why Might Your Pet Need This Surgery?

Anal sacculectomy is the surgical removal of one or both anal glands (also called anal sacs). It is performed when these small scent glands near the anus become chronically infected, impacted, or develop tumors.

Surgery may be recommended when:

  • The glands are chronically infected or abscessed
  • Repeated expression or flushing has failed
  • A tumor is detected in or near the anal sac
  • Pain or abnormal discharge is persistent

Referrals Required for This Surgery

Our hospital does not provide diagnostic or consultation services for anal gland removal. Instead, your pet’s care is transferred to us once a referring veterinarian has performed the diagnostic workup and recommended surgery.

We require a referral for the following reasons:

  • The decision to pursue surgery should be made with your primary veterinarian, who knows your pet’s medical history, has completed the necessary diagnostics, and can discuss the full range of treatment options with you.
  • Our surgical team’s role begins after surgery has been advised. We do not offer in-clinic imaging, diagnostics, treatments or pre-surgical consultations.
  • A referral allows us to prioritize patient safety by reviewing complete records and understanding the medical background before proceeding with anesthesia and surgery.

What qualifies as a referral? We’re flexible. A referral can be as simple as:

  • A shared set of medical records from your veterinarian
  • A treatment plan indicating that surgery has been recommended
  • A brief summary emailed, texted, or faxed from your vet’s team
  • Direct communication between our team and your rDVM

Our team will review the records in advance, and if we have any questions, we’ll reach out directly to the referring clinic.

If you’re a pet owner, please talk with your veterinarian first about whether surgery is the right option. Once that decision is made, we’re here to provide safe, compassionate, and efficient surgical care.

What Does the Surgery Involve?

The anal glands are located just below and to either side of the anus. Under general anesthesia, a small incision is made over each gland, which is then carefully dissected and removed. The surrounding tissue is preserved to maintain function and reduce complications.

If only one gland is affected, a unilateral procedure may be performed. In more chronic or severe cases, both glands may be removed.

Are There Alternatives?

In early or mild cases, regular gland expression, dietary changes, or antibiotics may help. However, when infections are frequent, tumors are present, or glands rupture, surgery is the most effective and permanent solution.

What Are the Benefits?

  • Eliminates source of pain, infection, or discharge
  • Reduces risk of abscess formation
  • Prevents recurrence of tumors or chronic impaction
  • Improves quality of life and hygiene

What Are the Risks?

  • Anesthetic complications
  • Wound breakdown or infection
  • Temporary or permanent fecal incontinence (rare but serious)
  • Bleeding or swelling near the rectum
  • Recurrence if tissue is not completely removed

What’s Included in Our Surgical Care

Bilateral Anal Gland Removal: $858 Package Price

Unilateral Anal Gland with Tumor Removal: $870 Package Price Per Side

Price includes:

  • A personalized anesthesia plan with multimodal pain control
  • IV catheter placement and fluids
  • Anesthesia and multiparameter monitoring
  • Surgical removal of one or both anal glands
  • Post-op stabilization and in-clinic recovery
  • Take-home medications (pain control and antibiotics)
  • Discharge instructions and recovery plan

When Additional Care Is Needed

Most pets undergoing anal gland surgery do not require overnight care and are discharged the same day. If complications arise, or if your pet has other health concerns requiring more intensive care, we may recommend transfer to an emergency or specialty facility. This may occur if:

  • Your pet experiences unexpected anesthetic or recovery complications
  • They require 24-hour medications or monitoring
  • They are systemically ill or severely debilitated

We may advise follow-up with your regular veterinarian for additional testing or treatment in situations where tumors require staging or oncology follow-up.

Any costs associated with that transfer or continued care with another veterinarian will be the owner’s responsibility.

Aftercare: What to Expect at Home

Your pet will go home with:

  • Prescription medications for pain and infection control
  • Instructions for activity restriction and wound care
  • Details on when to return for recheck or suture removal

Most pets start to feel better quickly once the infection is removed, but healing takes time. We’re here to help every step of the way.

Have Questions?

Please reach out to our team. We are happy to review records, coordinate with your veterinarian, and guide you through this process.