Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog's anal gland ruptured. When will it heal and stop leaking?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My Chihuahua mix had an anal gland rupture two days ago. It is still leaking clear fluid that has been drying near the hole. When will the gland close?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Christie Long, DVM

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on November 7th, 2015

It usually takes about a week for an anal gland rupture to heal, but that assumes that the dog is on appropriate antibiotics and that the infection inside is clearing. If you're only seeing clear fluid and not pus, it sounds like the infection is getting better. You can apply warm compresses to the ruptured gland (wet a cloth and microwave it for 45 seconds or so until it's warm but not hot) for 5 minutes 3 times daily. It's actually not a bad thing that the hole doesn't close up too quickly, because it give the normal duct a chance to return to normal (the swelling to decrease) yet the gland will continue to drain.

146Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on June 26th, 2018
Your vet will have cleaned out the infection from the anal sac, but it will take medication for the infection to completely clear up. I'm assuming that your vet gave Chase antibiotics, and those should help with the infection and clear up the pus. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on January 1st, 2017
With anal gland infection you must be patient, it may become worse before it becomes better, it often takes more than a month to resolve. as the treatment has been started yesterday i would not expect a clear improvement just yet, you need to give it time.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ann Dion, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 7th, 2018
Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Pain medication and antiboitics are appropriate treatment for an anal gland rupture. Often we will express the other gland while we are addressing the ruptured gland, in case that one is about to rupture. Sometimes this is impossible if the animals are just too painful. I usually don't recommend removal of the anal gland when it is the first time, as there can be severe complications with the surgery. After a rupture there will be some 'juice' coming out, as some fluid will still drain from the rupture hole. It is important this is left open to drain to prevent another abscess from forming again. I also usually recommend a recheck in 10-14 days to express the glands again and make sure they are patent, as sometimes the swelling can cause them to block again. The best way to help Parker heal is to give the medications as prescribed, and keep a cone on him so he can't chew or lick at the area. Best of luck with Parker.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My dog's anal gland ruptured. Can it heal at home without a vet?

Don't panic! Yes this will heal on its own. What I recommend you do is make a warm epsom salt solution and soak her little bum in the solution several times daily until the swelling goes down. She is small enough that you could put a 1/4 c of epsom salt in a kitchen sink-sized basin and have her sit in this until the water cools. This does a great job of healing the hole and drawing out the infection and swelling.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Ruptured anal gland in dog: healing time, cone, and snow safety?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Sky. I typically prescribe two weeks of antibiotics in these types of cases. This helps with healing. It depends on how big the wound was, but most of the time it can heal within 7-10 days. Make sure to keep the E-collar until the wound is completely healed. The snow likely feels good on her sore bottom. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog's anal gland popped. How do I care for it and prevent issues?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's anal gland ruptured. Will antibiotics heal or need surgery?

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!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has a ruptured anal gland. Is expensive surgery vital?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's anal gland abscess is still bleeding. When will it stop?

I do recommend bringing him to a vet for a recheck and expression of the anal glands and a reflushing if the anal glands with dilute chlorhexidine solution if they appear to still be oozy. It is unusual, if the anal gland were expressed the first time, for there to be a second fistula within 2 weeks. I also recommend placing an e-collar for a week while Barney is on antibiotics and pain meds as well as a topical prescription steroid/antibiotic/antifungal ointment such as dermavet/quadritops etc. that often speeds up healing of the fistula. With topical as well as oral antibiotics on emptied/flushed anal glands, fistula usually heal within a week. Good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

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

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share