My dog's anal gland infection is draining and protruding. What to do?

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Galaxy. This looks like an anal gland infection/abscess. It would be best to get Galaxy seen by your vet since these things are badly infected and need oral antibiotics or injectable antibiotics to clear up completely. Often times these dogs need sedation/anesthesia to clean up the area, express the contents of the gland completely, then start antibiotics, pain meds, anti inflammatory meds, topical wound care, e collar to prevent licking, etc. Again, Galaxy is probably in a lot of pain and would benefit greatly from adequate treatment. I would call your local rescue groups or humane societies to see if they can help with her care.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is a little difficult to say exactly what is going on with Daisy - she may have a recital prolapse (a condition where some of the tissue in the rectum actually comes out) or chronic irritation if she is scooting on carpeted areas. Scooting may be related to anal gland impactions, infections, or intestinal parasites. I recommend having Daisy seen by a vet as soon as possible because she is likely uncomfortable and the conditions above require treatment. I hope all is well!

I am sorry to hear that! It may be that the infection is still going on - you may need a longer course of the antibiotic or perhaps a different one. I would recommend having them expressed again to see if there is still debris present. I would also want to double check and make sure there is not a mass present in the area:( You can ask for a biopsy to be done if the lump seems unrelated to the infection. I hope this helps and that it is nothing more than a persistent infection!

Hello. Most anal gland infections heal up quite nicely with medications & keeping the area clean. Unless there is a special circumstance involving Tia's glands, such as the area is just not healing, additional flushing & treatment is usually not necessary. See how she does after a week on antibiotics & if she is doing well, just continue the antibiotics. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Heidi. Sounds like you guys are absolutely right. This is a judgement call. If she is incredibly uncomfortable I would advise taking her tonight. But if she is able to rest, doesn't seem to be in too much pain, I think you can wait until tomorrow to get it assessed. The fact that it ruptured is a good thing, it's probably less painful although a little more messy to deal with. Your vet will probably make sure both anal glands are emptied, advise topical wound treatment, give some antibiotics, anti inflammatories, pain meds, E collar, etc. Keep placing neosporin right on and even in the wound. Also warm compressing it will encourage drainage and ease a lot of pain. Good luck with Heidi.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There are a few things that can cause this such as parasites and in uncommon instances cancer such as lymphoma, among other possibilities. Your veterinarian would be able to examine her more closely and see what seems likely so that therapy can be started. Hopefully it is just a case of parasites as it is most of the time. Best of luck!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Oh good! I am glad there isn't purulent discharge from her vagina. Most dogs with an anal gland infection do feel fine. They just scoot and sometimes the discharge will leak out. I still recommend an appointment to have the anal glands expressed. I have seen infected and impacted anal glands rupture through the skin. It isn't an expensive visit and will hopefully make her feel better! I hope this helps!