Anal Gland Adenocarcinomas

Priced from $2,000 - $2,500
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What is anal gland adenocarcinoma?

This is a cancer that occurs in a dog’s anal glands. Whilst it’s not an overly common cancer, it unfortunately has usually spread by the time it’s discovered (as it generally grows inward rather than bulging outward through the skin). This means that, more often than not, the tumours have grown quite large by the time they’re found. Even if it’s found early, it’s often already spread.

How is it diagnosed?

Whilst we are sometimes lucky to find these tumours during routine examinations (when performing vaccinations or other consultations), they are usually diagnosed after a pet’s owner has noticed other symptoms. These commonly include a lump or swelling underneath the tail, or repeated straining to pass stools.

How is it treated?

The first step is surgery. Most anal gland tumours can be removed without causing significant issues (such as faecal incontinence). We also suggest removing the sublumbar lymph nodes (which are near the abdomen, underneath the lumbar spine area) at the same time, as the cancer has usually already spread to this area by the time it’s diagnosed.

Consider chemotherapy

As this cancer isn’t rapidly growing, surgery can often add significant time to your pet’s life expectancy (as much as a year in some cases). The addition of chemotherapy to the treatment plan can increase their lifespan by as much as two years.

Procedure cost

Depending on the complexity of the procedure, the removal of anal gland adenocarcinomas generally costs between $2,000 and $2,500 at Melbourne Pet Surgery. If sublumbar lymph nodes are also being removed, an additional $600 to $800 will be added to the cost. Compare this to referral centres where you would likely see a bill of $5,000 to $10,000 or even more!

Optional pre-anaesthetic blood test available for all surgeries (additional cost)

Recovery and aftercare

Your pet will generally be able to return home on the same day as the surgery, where you will be able to provide them with pain relief in the form of opioids and NSAID as well as antibiotics. Your dog will need to return to the hospital two weeks after the surgery to have the sutures removed.

Dr. Scot Plummer

Meet Dr. Scot Plummer

BVSC(HONS)

Dr Plummer has always had a deep love for animals and graduated from the University of Queensland with Honours. in his Bachelor of Veterinary Science. After the success of his Brisbane clinic, Dr Plummer has launched Melbourne Pet Surgery with the goal of lowering the cost of high-quality pet care for all Melburnians.

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