Violet gland

The Violdrüse (also Violsche gland or Pecaudaldrüse ) is a fragrance gland in canines in the upper side of the tail. It is a special form of the caudal glands ( glands caudae, Organum caudae, dorsal tail organ ). Is an accumulation of large sebaceous glands. The gland produces a distinctive smell, which plays a role for communication in these species ( " Violwittern "). The secretions of the Violdrüse in foxes contain volatile terpenes, which are reminiscent of smell of violets, which was eponymous for this gland.

In domestic dogs, this gland is constructed very differently. Some breeds like the Bull Terrier is often in the form, but it can also be applied rudimentary or entirely absent. It lies on the tail upper side at the level of the 9th caudal vertebra. Under androgen it can affect all races at this point to hair loss come ( "stud tail" ), of which especially older males are affected.

Even with cats Organum caudae is formed. Here it is right at the top of the tail.