My dog's anal gland abscess burst. Should I use antibacterial cream?

Applying a warm compress for 10 to 15 minutes a couple times a day can help the abscess continue to drain. cleaning the discharge from the skin with a mild soap or hibiclens (available at drug stores) is also recommended. An e-collar to prevent your dog from licking at the area and keeping your dog indoors except to use the bathroom is also recommended (to avoid flies). You will, however, need veterinary attention because the abscess may need to be flushed and your dog will need systemic antibiotic which requires a prescription.

Using a warm damp compress on the area will make her feel better and help keep the area draining. Keeping the open area clean is important also. After cleaning apply a thin film of antibacterial ointment to the area. If NIni is licking it then use a restraint collar to stop the licking. They now have soft collars and inflatable ones that are more comfortable than the plastic ones. If she stops eating and has a fever you should take her in for an exam and antibiotics. This should heal in a week or so. When you are able please have her anal sacs emptied to prevent this from happening again in the future. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for NIni.

This can be painful and messy so I recommend using a hot compress on the area several times a day to keep it clean and draining. Then I apply a thin film of antibacterial ointment on the surface. As Milo will lick the area using a cone or restraint collar to prevent licking will help it heal faster. Once the sac has ruptured it usually will heal quickly on its own. Continue the antibiotics until they are finished. To prevent this from happening again I would have Milo's anal sacs expressed regularly, every two to three months. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Milo.

Yes you can put her in the tub and use dial liquid soap and rinse it well after washing. If the abscess is draining and she is eating you don't need to give antibiotics as the infection is already resolving. When breaking up capsules for a small dog I place the powder in a dish and divide it up and only give the prescribed amount mixed in cheese or peanut butter. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to get answers to your veterinary questions.

I usually send home Simplicef for anal gland fistula but Clavamox at an appropriate dose for Lily’s weight would definitely help, especially if you are not able to bring her to the vet right away. It is important to fully express both the ruptured anal gland and the other anal gland to prevent a second fistula on the other side. Ideally the ruptured anal gland should be flushed with a dilute chlorhexidine solution but a sitz is definitely better than not cleaning out the ruptured gland at all. I usually send home an e-collar to prevent licking, antibiotics, a probiotic to prevent antibiotic associated diarrhea, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory for pain such as Rimadyl, and a topical prescription steroid/antibiotic/antifungal ointment to speed up the healing process. Good luck!

Yes, just based on your description (since I can't see it), it probably is a ruptured anal gland abscess. If the dog will let you, keep the area clean (you can use a baby wipe) and apply some Neosporin to it twice a day until the owner returns. It would also be recommended that you get her a "cone" collar to stop her from licking it. If you don't want to buy one you can try to make one at one - see YouTube video link below: ( https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=make+dog+cone+home ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Lobito is so cute! It sounds like he had an infected anal sac that opened up, and you did exactly the right thing by taking him into the vet. Antibiotics should help clear up the infection, and there is a chance the anal sac can heal on it's own. Without seeing it in person, I can't say for certain, but definitely keep an eye on it and if it doesn't appear to be healing over the next week, have him seen by a vet again as then surgery may be needed to close it completely. Good luck, I hope this helps!