My Shih Tzu's back abscess is draining. What caused it & how to treat?

It sounds like this is likely to be a cyst of some kind, but could also be an abscess, localized skin infection or some other type of skin growth - pus from an abscess would usually have an odor to it, but not always. You can clean the area thoroughly with warm water and soap, and it's fine to use topical antibiotic ointment like Neosporin as well. But in order to find out for sure what it is and get it treated more effectively, you will need to take your dog to a vet for an exam. He/she can take a sample of the white substance for analysis to help determine what it is, and will advise you based on the results whether it needs to be treated with oral antibiotics or other medication, or if it needs to be surgically removed.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your Shih Tzu. Based on your description, he may have an anal gland abscess. I recommend that he sees a veterinarian today. If an infection is present, he may need surgery to treat the wound. He would also be sent home with medications such as antibiotics and pain medications. In the meantime, place an E-collar on him to prevent any licking of the area. I hope this information helps!

Yes. Abscesses are infection and require treatment. Abscesses can become chronic or even turn into something like septicemia. It’s best to get them taken care of quickly. Make an appointment with his veterinarian. You also need to prevent licking and he should wear an Elizabethan collar at all times. I hope it heals quickly and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Hello! It depends on where the abcess is on Tonto but typically we drain abscesses and use antibiotics to clear the infection. Drainage should be performed under sedation to insure safety and to make sure it is entirely drained. Best to you and Tonto.

If there are cysts or other signs of infection on Shizu's skin it would be best to bring him into your vet. They can examine the individual pustules and help determine what is causing them. Your vet may also be able to clean and treat any wounds and provide medications such as antibiotics to help clear up the infection. Until you can be seen, keeping the puppy from licking at them and keeping any affected areas clean and dry may help.

It could be a cyst, mass, or pustule. Have your vet take a look at it to determine the best way to treat. She may need an antibiotic to treat an infection and/or it may need to be removed. Your vet can do an aspirate to help diagnose.

Tasha needs to visit her veterinarian in order to treat this properly. She has an abscess or deep pocket of infection that needs to be properly flushed out and then she will require a prescription antibiotic that she will take for 1-2 weeks to treat the infection. It is also important that the veterinarian examine her teeth as this is a common site for an abscessed tooth to be the underlying cause of the abscess. It is possible that she may need a tooth extraction or other dental work. Treating this with peroxide alone is not going to clear up the infection. Please see your regular veterinarian ASAP. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.