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My dog's anal glands bled after expression. Did I rupture them?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | spayed | 10 years and 5 months old | 61 lbs

I was expressing my dog's anal glands and noticed a bit of blood and the normal gland fluid come out. After expressing it a little more, mainly dark blood came out. I immediately stopped and made a vet appointment, but I'm just worried that I ruptured her gland or that something serious other than that happened?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Chad Brown, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 8th, 2018

Unfortunately, sometimes while expressing a dogs anal glands, you can accidentally rupture the gland. The good news is that even if the gland is ruptured, the veterinarian will be able to correctly diagnosed the condition and put your pet on the correct regimen of medications to get the gland back to functioning properly again.

You are correct in taking the dog to the vet as soon as possible to get a full physical examination performed

I applaud you for taking such a proactive approach to your animals healthcare. You are a very good dog owner and I wish more were like you.

19Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on February 26th, 2017
Ouch, poor Lanie! It could be that the anal sac was impacted and infected, and that's why there is blood mixed in it. I would have her seen by a vet for this. If it is infected, the vet can prescribe antibiotics to treat it.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on August 9th, 2019
Hi and thanks for your request.
Even though a picture of it would help to give you specific answers, generally speaking this presentation could be due to a inflammation/infection of the glands. Expression may be contraindicated in case of an infection as disinfection and antibiotics may be needed.
A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed.
Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Sarah Derksen, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 31st, 2018
Hi. It is normal for some oozing, yes. This photo though seems like a bit more then normal. Hopefully he was sent home with pain medications and antibiotics. I would call your veterinarian first thing in the morning. Until then, a warm, moist washcloth with slight pressure on the area a few times this evening may help. Keep him in an easy to clean place for the night.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Susan England-Foster
Veterinarian
Published on September 26th, 2018
I would recommend checking a stool sample for parasites in a younger dog. Blood dripping from the rectum is not normal and should be addressed soon. I would ask your vet to do a rectal exam and check the anal glands. They could be infected or impacted and need medications to resolve this issue. However viruses can also cause bloody stool. A vet exam is best option. hope that helps
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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