Serving San Diego, Orange County, and Riverside
Anal Sac Removal Surgery in Dogs
One-step treatment to manage long-term problem and let your dog regain a pain-free life.
Surgery is sometimes the kindest option!
For dogs with painful, recurring, serious anal gland infections, removal offers lasting relief.
Anal Sac Disease in Dogs
Dog anal sac (anal gland) problems are extremely common. Some are easy to manage with manually expressing dog’s anal sacs every couple weeks. Unfortunately, some anal sac issues are more problematic and with time can be extremely painful for dogs.
A procedure known as anal sac removal surgery or anal sacculectomy, can be performed and is extremely effective in treating problematic anal glands in dogs.
Excellent prognosis after surgery.- Ends repeated infections and pain.
- Improves comfort, activity, and overall quality of life.
Precision and Experience Make the Difference
Anal Sac Removal Surgery
Anal sac removal requires gentle technique and attention to detail. Our surgeon has extensive experience performing this procedure effectively while our board-certified anesthesiologist oversees your dog’s safety from start to finish.
The all-inclusive package fee for anal sac removal surgery at SurgiPet covers everything from the initial consultation to post-surgical rechecks and offers 30-40% savings compared to large veterinary hospitals' charges.
Your Dog’s Anal Sac Removal Surgery Journey
Initial Consultation
We don’t rush - each consultation includes a full history, a careful hands-on exam of your dog, and time to talk through your goals, concerns, and what matters most to you.
Surgery Day
Experience counts! Our surgeon has performed thousands of successful surgeries over the course of his professional career. With that experience, your dog is in the best hands.
Going Home
Your pet will go home comfortable, fully recovered from anesthesia, and able to walk. You will receive printed instructions, and dedicated post-operative support is available 7 days a week-including weekends.
Providing peace of mind and comfort
What to Expect After Anal Sac Removal Surgery
Your dog will go home the same day - fully awake, walking, and comfortable. Most dogs feel better within 1-2 days, with full recovery typically in 2 weeks. For dogs with years of recurring pain, the change is often dramatic and lasting.
Tips for Recovery:
✔ Keep the surgery site clean and dry.
✔ Use cone to prevent licking or chewing.
✔ Stay in touch with our team - we are available 7-days a week.
The Safest pet anesthesia. For Every Pet. In Every way.
Ensure your pet’s safety with expert anesthesia care tailored to their specific needs, managed by a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist.
Meet the Dedicated Team Behind Our Success
Dr. Wypart has twenty years of experience with various soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries. After graduating from veterinary school, he completed rigorous specialty training in veterinary surgery.
Dr. Wypart is a highly skilled veterinarian with over two decades of experience in orthopedic and soft tissue surgery. He earned his veterinary degree from the Warsaw University of Life Sciences and completed advanced specialty training in veterinary surgery at the European University of Environmental and Life Sciences. His clinical skills have been shaped by extensive international practice across Europe and North America.
Since relocating to San Diego in 2012, Dr. Wypart has become known for his surgical expertise, particularly in orthopedic procedures involving joint trauma, complex fractures, and advanced soft tissue techniques. A member of the Veterinary Orthopedic Society, he has performed over 1,000 successful TPLO surgeries and remains actively engaged in continuing education focused on fracture management, joint disease, and advanced soft tissue procedures.
Dr. Wypart founded SurgiPet to make high-quality, specialized surgical care more accessible and affordable for pets in San Diego and surrounding communities, with a focus on procedures like TPLO for cranial cruciate ligament repair.
Outside of surgery, Dr. Wypart enjoys growing vegetables in his backyard, perfecting new soup recipes, and hiking Potato Chip Mountain.
Dr. Margaret Wypart, DACVAA, is a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist with over fifteen years of experience. She ensures pets stay safe, stable, and comfortable - just as human anesthesiologists do for people.
Dr. Margaret Wypart, DACVAA is the Medical Director and co-founder of SurgiPet, where she leads the development of advanced anesthesia protocols to ensure surgical safety and comfort for every patient. She has been dedicated to veterinary anesthesia for over a decade, having completed a competitive 3-year residency in Anesthesia and Pain Management at the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League school known for its highly respected veterinary training program.
One of only a few board-certified veterinary anesthesiologists practicing in San Diego County, Dr. Wypart’s clinical focus is entirely on keeping pets safe and pain-free during surgery. She specializes in ultrasound-guided nerve blocks to minimize discomfort and reduce reliance on systemic medications—allowing pets to wake up more smoothly and return home the same day. Her approach follows the principles of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS), emphasizing proactive pain control, early mobility, and rapid return to function.
Her protocols have been adopted by practices across the region, reflecting her commitment to elevating anesthesia standards and improving surgical outcomes. She collaborates closely with primary care veterinarians and pet owners throughout San Diego County, offering individualized patient care, advanced consultation, and hands-on training for veterinary technicians.
Outside of work, Dr. Wypart enjoys hiking, skiing, and photography.
Amber has over two decades of experience as a Registered Veterinary Technician. One of her greatest joys is mentoring and training newer staff, sharing the passion for veterinary care that has driven her throughout her career.
Amber is a Registered Veterinary Technician and our Nursing Director, bringing more than 20 years of experience in veterinary medicine to our team. Most of Amber’s career has been spent in emergency and intensive care, where she developed strong skills in critical patient management, anesthesia, and team leadership. For the past two years, she has brought that expertise to our surgical center, where she focuses on ensuring a smooth experience for patients from admission through recovery and supporting our team in providing exceptional surgical nursing care.
Amber is passionate about creating a positive, collaborative environment for both her team and our clients. She believes that every patient deserves individualized, compassionate care and takes pride in building trust with the families who bring their pets to us. She also enjoys mentoring veterinary professionals and helping others grow within the field.
Outside of work, Amber loves spending time with her family and many pets, traveling in their RV, and curling up with a good book.
No surprises!
Transparent, All-inclusive Pricing for Surgery
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Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!
The anal glands, also known as anal sacs, are small glands located on either side of the anus in dogs and cats. These glands produce a strong-smelling liquid used for marking territory and communicating with other animals. In dogs, the anal glands are expressed naturally when the dog defecates, and the liquid is released onto the feces.
Anal sac disease is a common problem in dogs that occurs when the anal sacs become infected or impacted. Symptoms of anal sac disease may include scooting, licking, or biting at the anal area. In severe cases, the anal sacs may become abscessed, which can be very painful for the dog.
Surgical removal of one or both anal sacs may be recommended when they repeatedly become impacted or infected despite multiple non-surgical treatments. For dogs with ongoing issues, this is often the most effective long-term solution, as it eliminates the risk of future impactions or infections.
Anal sac removal surgery is also recommended when a mass (tumor) within the sac is found. This procedure is necessary if the mass is suspected to be cancerous to prevent the cancer from spreading to other parts of the body or if it causes discomfort, difficulty with defecation, or other issues for the pet.
Most dogs feel better within a few days and are back to normal activity in 10–14 days. We provide detailed home care instructions and support you 7 days a week during healing.
Incontinence after anal sac removal is very rare, particularly when the surgery is performed by an experienced surgeon. At SurgiPet, these complications are extremely uncommon thanks to our surgical expertise and careful post-op management.
Yes. In most cases, both sacs are removed during a single procedure to prevent future issues and provide complete relief.
One of the main benefits of anal sac removal is lasting relief from the discomfort and pain caused by chronic impactions, infections, or abscesses. Once the sacs are removed, there’s no longer any risk of these problems returning - no more vet visits to empty the glands, no more treating painful impactions, and no more medications to administer.
For some dogs, the surgery also makes bowel movements easier and more comfortable, especially if swollen or infected sacs were causing straining. Most dogs recover well within a few weeks and return to their normal routines. With the source of the problem gone, they can enjoy a more comfortable, active life free from recurring anal sac issues.
Anal sac removal surgery typically costs $6,000–$8,000 at large hospitals in Southern California. At SurgiPet, our 2025 flat fee is $3,590 for one side or $4,490 for both sides.
This includes all standard surgical costs - consultation, anesthesia with board-certified anesthesiologist care, operating room, and surgeon’s fee - plus extras that are often billed separately elsewhere, such as pre-op bloodwork and chest X-rays (if needed), pain medication, sedatives, antibiotics, and anti-nausea medications for the first two weeks, as well as all recheck visits for up to four months after surgery.
Not included items: medications if needed beyond two weeks (e.g. antibiotics, sedatives), surgical complications, CT scan or ultrasound, or rechecks beyond 4 months.
For dogs with anal sac tumors, pricing depends on case complexity. Most quotes can be provided based on medical records via email or phone.
You’ll meet with both the surgeon and anesthesiologist in person to review the plan and ask any final questions. Your dog’s surgery is performed in a modern OR using LigaSure system for optimal surgical conditions. An anesthesiologist monitors your pet throughout, using advanced equipment and multimodal pain control.
After surgery, your pet recovers in a quiet area under direct supervision. Most dogs are ready to go home by the evening - fully awake, comfortable, and sent home with meds, and clear, personalized care instructions.