Outcomes and complications of anal sacculectomy for non-neoplastic anal sac disease in cats: 8 cases (2006-2019)

Objectives To describe the features of non-neoplastic anal sac disease in cats, the surgical procedure, complications, surgical outcome and prognosis compared to well-established data for anal sacculectomy in canine patients. Materials and Methods A retrospective review of medical records of cats undergoing anal sacculectomy for non-neoplastic disease between 2006 and 2019. Results Eight cats were included in the study of which four of eight developed minor and self-limiting complications including defaecatory complications in three cases and superficial corneal ulceration in one case. No cat developed permanent faecal incontinence. No long-term postoperative complication was recorded. Median surgical time was 35 minutes (range, 20 to 42). Median hospitalisation time was 1.5 days (range, 1 to 4). The incidence of short-term minor complications is higher than previously reported in dogs, although this might be in agreement with a reported higher incidence in dogs smaller than 15 kg. Clinical Significance Anal sacculectomy for non-neoplastic anal sac disease is a safe procedure in cats with relatively high rate of short-term but self-limiting, minor, postoperative complications.