Modified closed sacculectomy in 50 dogs with non-neoplastic anal sac disease

To describe a modified closed sacculectomy technique for non-neoplastic anal sac disease in dogs, and to describe the management and short-term outcomes in dogs undergoing sacculectomy by the described technique.

Retrospective case series.

A total of 50 dogs.

Electronic medical records were reviewed to identify dogs undergoing bilateral anal sacculectomy for non-neoplastic anal sac disease using the described closed technique between January 1, 2013 and February 1, 2024.

A total of 50 dogs underwent bilateral anal sacculectomy for non-neoplastic anal sac disease. Intraoperative anal sac perforation was reported in five dogs (10%). A total of 43 dogs were available for two-week follow-up. Grade 1 complications were reported in 14/43 dogs (32%), grade 2 complications in 2/43 dogs (5%), and grade 3B in 2/43 dogs (5%). At two-weeks postoperatively, 13/14 dogs (93%) had resolution of grade 1 complications. Both dogs with grade 2 complications had resolution reported at two weeks postoperatively, and both dogs with grade 3B complications had resolution reported at two weeks following revision surgery.

Intraoperative complications consisted of anal sac perforation without further complication. Minor postoperative complications were mostly self-limiting, supporting previous literature. Major complications were infrequent and resolved following single revision surgery.

The technique reported provides an alternative to excise intact and non-neoplastic anal sacs in dogs. The key features of this technique are immediate anal sac identification by following the anatomic path of the duct, minimal peri-saccular dissection, no requirement for packing of the anal sac, and complete removal of the duct and anal sac.