Anal Sacculectomy
Aproximate Cost:
$1,400 - $1,800
What It Is
An anal sacculectomy is the surgical removal of one or both anal sacs (anal glands), which are small scent glands located on either side of the anus. The surgeon carefully dissects and removes the affected sacs while preserving nearby nerves and tissues.
Why It’s Performed
This procedure is done to resolve chronic anal sac disease. Common reasons include recurrent infections or abscesses, chronic impaction that no longer responds to medical management, ruptured sacs, or tumors such as anal sac adenocarcinoma. Removing the diseased sacs eliminates pain and infection and, in cancer cases, helps prevent local spread.
Risks Involved
Possible complications include infection, bleeding, wound breakdown, or swelling at the surgery site. Because the anal sacs lie close to the nerves that control the anal sphincter, there is a small risk of temporary or permanent fecal incontinence if these nerves are injured, though this is uncommon in experienced hands.
Typical Recovery Time
Most pets rest at home for 1–2 days after surgery and have their activity restricted for about two weeks. Mild swelling or discharge can occur early on. Pain is usually well controlled with medication. Healing is generally complete within 2–3 weeks.
Our Approach
At Howard County Animal Hospital in Ellicott City, MD, we perform anal sacculectomy with precision and care. Our goal is to make high-quality veterinary surgery accessible and affordable for local pet owners, while maintaining clear, upfront estimates so families can plan for the cost of care.
*Consultation Required
We are committed to offering affordable surgery options with transparent pricing. The cost shown are general estimates only, and a personalized estimate will be provided after your consultation.
We accept all major credit cards, Zelle, and cash. For clients interested in payment plans, we also work with CareCredit.
What’s Included in Our Surgical Costs
Our surgical prices are designed to be as transparent as possible and include:
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All charges typically associated with the day of the procedure
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Preoperative exam the day of the procedure
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Anesthesia and monitoring required throughout the procedure
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All perioperative injectable medications administered before, during and after the procedure to keep your pet safe and comfortable
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IV catheter and fluids to maintain vascular support during your pet’s surgery and recovery
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Detailed discharge instructions for at-home aftercare
What’s NOT Included in Our Surgical Costs
The following items are not included in the surgical costs and may be recommended or required depending on your pet’s individual needs:
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Pre-operative diagnostic workups to determine the underlying problem (e.g., bloodwork, radiographs, ultrasound)
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All diagnostics associated with your pet's procedure would be included (e.g. orthopedic surgery requiring post-operative radiographs, cystotomy with stone analysis).
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Pre-anesthetic blood work
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Optional for healthy pets under 3 years old for routine procedures, but recommended to help ensure the safety of anesthesia.
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Radiographs (X-rays) associated with diagnosing or planning the procedure
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Medications to take home (such as pain meds, antibiotics, sedatives or safety collars).
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If needed: Continued care at a local ER for monitoring and stability, recommended for unstable and sick patients.
We will discuss all recommended or required services with you in advance so you have a complete understanding of your pet’s surgical plan and costs.