From the Research
Steroids can be used to treat anal gland inflammation in dogs, but they're typically not the first-line treatment, and the most recent and highest quality study 1 suggests that local treatment with flushing and infusion using a commercially available steroid/antibiotic/antifungal ointment is effective for treating anal sacculitis in dogs. For mild to moderate anal gland inflammation, veterinarians may prescribe a short course of oral prednisone at 0.5-1 mg/kg once or twice daily for 5-7 days, tapering the dose gradually. Some key points to consider when using steroids for anal gland inflammation in dogs include:
- The use of steroids should be based on the severity of the inflammation and the presence of any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the inflammation.
- Steroids can be effective in reducing inflammation and associated pain, but they do not address underlying causes like food allergies, obesity, or anatomical issues.
- Long-term steroid use should be avoided due to potential side effects including increased thirst, urination, appetite, weight gain, and suppression of the immune system.
- Always consult with a veterinarian before administering any medication, as they may recommend alternative treatments like dietary changes, fiber supplementation, or regular anal gland expression instead of or before trying steroids. Some studies have investigated the use of antibiotics in preventing anal fistulas, but these studies are not directly relevant to the use of steroids for anal gland inflammation in dogs 2, 3, 4. Another study investigated the effects of prednisone and ketoprofen on periodontal parameters in patients with severe chronic periodontitis, but this study is also not directly relevant to the use of steroids for anal gland inflammation in dogs 5. Overall, the most recent and highest quality study 1 suggests that local treatment with flushing and infusion using a commercially available steroid/antibiotic/antifungal ointment is effective for treating anal sacculitis in dogs, and this should be considered as a first-line treatment option.