Canine anal sac adenocarcinoma – a review

Canine anal sac adenocarcinoma – a review

Anal sac adenocarcinoma is the most common malignant neoplasm arising from canine anal sacs. Metastasis, particularly to the local lymph nodes, is arelatively frequent feature of the disease and paraneoplastic hypercalcaemia can result. Thorough staging is therefore indicated once a diagnosis of anal sac adenocarcinoma has been made. Surgical excision of the affected anal sac is the treatment of choice for the primary tumour and concurrent lymphadenectomy is advocated where regional nodal metastasis has occurred. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy may also be used alongside or instead of surgery to help manage the disease. Unfortunately, the majority of dogs with a diagnosis of anal sac adenocarcinoma will develop progressive disease in spite of treatment and therefore repeat staging is usually recommended. By incorporating evidence from the recent veterinary literature, this article will review the diagnostic and therapeutic options for canine anal sac adenocarcinoma and outline the prognosis for dogs affected by this disease.