Non‐neoplastic anal sac disorders in UK dogs: Epidemiology and management aspects of a research‐neglected syndrome

Abstract Background : Non‐neoplastic anal sac disorders (ASD) are frequent presentations for dogs in primary‐care practice but evidence‐based information on disease occurrence and risk is sparse. This study estimates prevalence, breed associations other factors as well reporting clinical management. Methods A cohort of attending VetCompass practices between 1 January 2013 31 December 2013. Risk factor analysis used multivariable logistic regression methods. Results Of 104,212 110 UK practices, the 1‐year period prevalence ASD was 4.40% (95% CI: 4.22–4.57). Compared to crossbreds, six breeds showed increased odds (Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Cockapoo, Shih‐tzu, Bichon Frise Cocker spaniel), reduced (Labrador Retriever, Border collie, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Lurcher, German Shepherd Dog Boxer). Brachycephalic types had 2.6 times compared dolichocephalic types. Medication prescribed included antimicrobials (n = 480, 20.24%) analgesics 284, 11.97%). Anal sacculectomy performed under 1% cases. Conclusions High strong predispositions evidence severity suggested from antimicrobial analgesic therapies combined with current substantial knowledge gaps identify a key research‐neglected syndrome dogs.