A protocol for a randomized, prospective, multicentric clinical trial on the effects of different treatments of anal sac diseases in dogs

Abstract

All dogs possess two anal sacs and for a yet unknown reason these can become impacted, inflamed or can form an abscess. Little is known about the treatment of the different anal sac diseases, and, to the author's knowledge, no randomized, controlled studies have been conducted so far on the most appropriate and effective treatment for dogs with anal sac impaction, inflammation, or abscessation. This study will support to get a better understanding of the differences in the outcome of various therapies for anal sac diseases and the possible predisposing factors by providing a design for a large study on anal sac diseases and therapies. First a robust study design is made starting from the ideal world and adjusting this to the best realistically achievable situation. With the help of the available literature and in-field practitioners the treatment protocols and a patient questionnaire are made. The suggested sample sizes and the randomization are based on literature and estimations. The result of this study is a protocol design for a randomized, prospective, multicentric clinical trial, in which the results of different therapies for the three anal sac diseases can be compared, and predisposing factors can be revealed.