Efficacy of an oral chew containing fibre and Bacillus velezensis C-3102 in the management of anal sac impaction in dogs.

Background: Anal sac impaction is common in dogs. Manual expression may be effective, yet recurrence can be problematic. To facilitate physiological emptying of the sacs, it is important to maintain bulky stool consistency.

Objectives: The study evaluated if supplementation with a complementary feed product formulated as a chew containing Bacillus velezensis C-3102 and fibre sources, reduced anal sac impaction recurrence.

Animals: Thirty-five client-owned dogs with anal sac impaction were enrolled.

Materials and methods: Prospective, randomised, negative controlled field clinical trial with 22 dogs receiving the chew orally for 90 consecutive days and 13 dogs with no treatment. Dogs were evaluated on Day (D) 30, 60, 90 and 120 for the presence of clinical signs of anal sac impaction and the need to empty the sacs. Any animal that required manual expression of the sacs was classified as a failure and was withdrawn from the study.

Results: The cumulative percentage of failures in the untreated group increased steadily from the first follow-up visit on D30 (15%) to the last visit on D120 (61.5%). However, in the group receiving the chew the cumulative percentage of failures increased at a much slower rate and stabilised at 19% from the D90 visit (last administration day) until the end of the study on D120, with statistically significant differences (p = 0.025). Animals receiving the chew also showed reduction in clinical signs.

Conclusion and clinical relevance: The probiotic and fibre chew was a safe and effective management option for recurrent anal sac impaction in dogs.