The anal glands are located on each side of the rectum. They fill with fluid that is normally expressed or eliminated during a bowel movement. Anything that interferes with this normal draining process can cause the glands to become full, or "impacted," and will make the dog or cat uncomfortable. Sometimes the impaction is bad enough to form an abscess. When you see your pet "scooting" or dragging its rear end on the ground, it may be because the anal glands are impacted. To treat this problem, your Pet Vet doctor drains the glands either manually or surgically. Sometimes the pet will have to take antibiotics. If the problem persists, the doctor may need to surgically remove the anal glands.