Dog Anal Gland Tumors

Canine anal gland tumors, also referred to as perianal tumors, are growths typically found around the anus of a dog. They generally form on their own, and are not as a result of cancer elsewhere in the body. They can be benign or malignant. There are commonly two types of these anal tumors found in canines.

Types of Canine Anal Gland Tumors

Perianal tumors can be divided into two categories. Perianal gland tumors are located anywhere in the area surrounding the anus. They can also be found at the base of the dog’s tale or around his genitalia. They are often benign and happen most often in male dogs. Females can experience this form of tumor as well, but Dog Cushings Disease should be ruled out if one is found on a girl dog. Multiple perianal gland tumors can be present at once, and usually disappear after castrating the canine. Less than 5% of these tumors are malignant, and can grow quite fast.

Anal gland tumors, also anal sac adenocarcinomas, are the second kind of perianal tumors found in dogs. These are quite common for older female dogs to contract. These tumors are somewhat dangerous and can spread quickly if not detected. This form of cancer gives off a substance that increases the amount of calcium in the body, which can damage the dog’s kidneys and lead to Dog Kidney Disease as well.

Rectal tumors are the second type of canine anal gland tumors. They are more common than the perianal kind, and can vary in their size, shape, and danger to the pet.

Dog Breeds at Risk

Certain dog breeds are more likely to contract canine anal gland tumors than others. Those at risk include the Husky, Cairn Terrier, German Shepherd Dog, English Cocker Spaniel, Dachshund, Basset Hound, and Alaskan Malamute.

Diagnosis

The first sign for diagnosis of this condition will be a lump near the dog’s anal area. The lump and the surrounding area may be red or appear swollen. Ultrasounds as well as tests on the blood and urine can be performed to confirm the diagnosis, as well as determine the type of anal gland tumor that is present.

Treatment

The common treatment for canine anal gland tumors is surgical removal. Sometimes, the extraction must be preceded by chemotherapy and radiation to make sure the cancer is completely alleviated. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed following surgery to avoid any infections that may follow.

Prognosis

For benign anal tumors, the prognosis is great once castration or surgery has taken place. If the tumors are malignant, the average survival for dogs with this condition was estimated to be 544 days. Canines with tumors smaller than 10 centimeters seemed to do better than those with larger growths. Dogs that had hypercalcemia also did progressively worse than those that did not suffer from the additional calcium.